Frank Rondel
A flight attendant survived after being ejected from an Air Canada Express CRJ-900 aircraft that collided with a Port Authority fire truck at LaGuardia Airport in New York City on March 22, reports customreceipt.com via People. The collision resulted in the deaths of the pilot and co-pilot and caused serious injuries to dozens of passengers and airport personnel. Following the accident, LaGuardia Airport halted all operations, with officials announcing the closure would continue until at least 2:00 p.m. ET (1800 GMT) to allow for a thorough investigation.
The Jazz Aviation-operated flight, operating on behalf of Air Canada, had 72 passengers and four crew members on board when the incident occurred. According to NBC News and CNN, the aircraft struck a Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicle that had been responding to an unrelated runway incident on Runway 4. The crash ejected the jump seat containing the flight attendant, who was discovered alive and strapped in her seat. She sustained injuries but is expected to recover.
Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia confirmed the fatalities during a press briefing, stating that both pilots of the Jazz Aviation flight were pronounced deceased at the scene. Of the 41 people transported to local hospitals, including 39 passengers and two ARFF officers, 32 have since been released, NBC News reported. Two occupants of the firetruck were hospitalized in stable condition after the vehicle was struck while responding to reports of an unknown odor in the cockpit of another aircraft.
Air Canada expressed condolences to the families of the deceased pilots and the Jazz Aviation community. In a statement, the airline said it could not confirm additional injuries or fatalities at that time. Emergency response protocols were immediately activated, and the airport confirmed the ongoing closure to facilitate rescue operations and investigative procedures.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Both agencies are coordinating with the Port Authority Police Department, airline partners, and federal authorities to collect evidence and provide updates as the investigation progresses.
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