Two pilots tragically lost their lives following a catastrophic incident involving an Air Canada Express flight that collided with a Port Authority fire truck at LaGuardia Airport in New York. The crash occurred late on Sunday, 22 March 2026, prompting immediate emergency response efforts and widespread concern.
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The ill-fated flight, designated Air Canada Express Flight 8646 and operated by Jazz Aviation, was engaged in routine operations when the collision happened at approximately 11:40 p.m. local time. The flight was carrying 72 passengers along with four crew members. At the same time, the fire truck, which was responding to an unrelated emergency, was on the runway. Emergency services quickly transported 39 individuals from the flight to nearby hospitals to receive medical treatment for a range of injuries.
In updates following the incident, Air Canada confirmed that of those initially taken to hospital, six individuals remain under medical care. The airline’s CEO, Michael Rousseau, extended his sympathies to all affected by the crash, particularly the families of the deceased pilots, who have been named as Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther. Rousseau emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting passengers and crew, stating, “We remain focused on the needs of our passengers and the Jazz crew members, along with their families and loved ones.”
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported that of the two personnel in the fire truck, one was released from hospital shortly after the incident. However, Sergeant Michael Orsillo remained hospitalised for observation, underscoring the severity of the crash’s impact.
Among those injured in the incident was flight attendant Solange Tremblay, who endured significant trauma after being ejected from the aircraft. According to her daughter, Sarah Lépine, Tremblay sustained multiple fractures and a broken leg after being propelled over 320 feet from the plane upon impact. Remarkably, Tremblay was discovered still strapped into her seat when rescuers located her. “It’s a complete miracle,” Lépine exclaimed, expressing disbelief at her mother’s survival in such tragic circumstances.
Passengers aboard the flight have also shared their reflections on the event. Rebecca Liquori, a 35-year-old individual who was on the flight, expressed gratitude for the pilots’ efforts to avert a greater disaster. She speculated that the pilots had attempted to brake prior to the collision, stating, “I wouldn’t be here had it not been for the pilot acting quickly.” While she mourned the loss of the pilots, her appreciation for their final actions was evident.
In the wake of this tragedy, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to the collision. Among various factors, investigators will focus on whether the pilots had visibility of the fire truck before impact and if they had sufficient time to react in order to prevent the crash.
This incident marks a dark moment in aviation safety, raising critical questions about runway protocols and emergency responses in busy airports. Air Canada and Jazz Aviation are facing intense scrutiny as families and loved ones of the victims navigate their grief and seek answers regarding the fateful event.
As the investigation continues, the aviation community collectively mourns the loss of the pilots and remains vigilant regarding safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.