New York’s LaGuardia Airport in the United States has been closed until further notice following a collision involving an Air Canada Express aircraft and a ground service vehicle.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for the airport late on Sunday night, warning that there was a “high” likelihood the order would be extended.
According to CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, the aircraft had departed from Montreal and had already landed when the incident occurred.
It was slowing down to around 24mph when it struck a vehicle operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the agency responsible for airport operations.
The aircraft, a CRJ 900 regional jet carrying about 70–90 passengers, sustained significant damage in the collision.
Local reports indicate that several people were injured, although the full extent of casualties has not yet been confirmed.
Footage circulating on social media shows the aircraft, operated by Air Canada’s regional partner Jazz Aviation, coming to a stop with its nose tilted upward.
Jazz Aviation confirmed in a statement that there were 76 people on board at the time, including four crew members.
In response to the incident, the New York City Police Department said on X that people should “expect delays and avoid the area if possible”.
It added, “Due to an emergency incident at LaGuardia Airport, all streets and highway exits into the airport are closed until further notice.”
The New York City Fire Department also issued guidance on X, stating: “Expect cancellations, road closures, traffic delays and emergency personnel near LaGuardia Airport”.
It further advised, “Use alternate routes,”.
The National Transportation Safety Board has since deployed a team to investigate the cause of the collision.
