A tragic runway collision at LaGuardia Airport in New York has left two pilots dead and several others seriously injured after an Air Canada Express aircraft struck a fire rescue vehicle during landing, authorities confirmed on Monday.

The incident occurred late Sunday when the passenger aircraft, carrying dozens of people, collided with a Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting truck on the runway. The force of the impact caused severe damage to the plane’s cockpit, killing both the pilot and co-pilot instantly.

Images from the scene showed the aircraft tilted backward on its tail, with its front section heavily damaged and surrounded by multiple emergency response vehicles with flashing lights. First responders rushed to the site and treated several injured passengers and crew members, some of whom were reported to be in serious condition.

Authorities immediately halted all flight operations at LaGuardia Airport following the crash. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced that the airport would remain closed until at least Monday afternoon to facilitate a comprehensive investigation and ensure safety protocols are followed.

Officials have not yet disclosed the exact cause of the collision. However, early indications suggest that both the aircraft and the emergency vehicle were on the active runway at the same time, raising concerns about potential lapses in ground coordination or communication.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident. Investigators are expected to review air traffic control communications, runway procedures, and vehicle movement protocols to determine how the collision occurred.

This incident has once again highlighted the critical importance of stringent safety measures at busy international airports like LaGuardia, where high traffic volumes demand precise coordination between aircraft and ground operations.

Passengers scheduled to travel through LaGuardia faced widespread disruptions, with flights canceled or diverted to nearby airports. Authorities have urged travelers to check with airlines for updates as operations are gradually expected to resume following the investigation.

As the investigation continues, officials are focused on understanding the sequence of events that led to the fatal accident and preventing similar tragedies in the future.