Two pilots were killed after a regional jet arriving from Montreal struck an airport fire truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday.
The aircraft was carrying 76 people when it landed shortly before midnight and collided with the vehicle on the runway. The impact severely damaged the nose of the plane and left it tilted upward.
Authorities said the captain and first officer died in the crash. All passengers and remaining crew were accounted for.
Officials said the fire truck had been crossing the runway in response to another incident when the collision occurred. Early information suggests it had been cleared to cross before air traffic controllers attempted to stop it as the plane approached.
The crash led to an immediate shutdown of LaGuardia Airport. Flights were halted and diverted as emergency crews responded.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, with support from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.
Air Canada confirmed the deaths of the two pilots and said it is cooperating with authorities. Jazz Aviation president Doug Clarke called it an incredibly difficult day for the airline.
Images from the scene showed heavy damage to the aircraft’s cockpit and an overturned emergency vehicle nearby. Passengers were evacuated using mobile stairways.
The investigation is ongoing.