The aircraft, an Air Canada Express Bombardier CRJ-900 operated by Jazz Aviation, struck a firefighting truck late Sunday night while landing after a flight from Montreal. The impact destroyed the cockpit area, killing both the pilot and co-pilot instantly, officials confirmed.

Dozens of others were injured in the crash. At least 41 passengers and crew members were taken to the hospital, though many were later discharged after receiving treatment. Two firefighters inside the truck also sustained injuries but survived.

Preliminary findings indicate the collision was caused by a breakdown in runway coordination. Air traffic control had reportedly cleared both the aircraft to land and the emergency vehicle to enter or cross the same runway within minutes of each other. Investigators are now focusing on communication lapses and procedural failures that may have allowed the fatal overlap to occur.

The firefighting vehicle had been responding to a separate emergency involving another aircraft when the collision occurred, adding complexity to the situation. Audio recordings from the control tower suggest last-minute attempts were made to prevent the crash, but the warning came too late.

Weather conditions may also have played a role. Reports indicate that heavy rain and wet runway conditions were present at the time, though authorities have not confirmed whether this contributed directly to the accident.

At this stage, there is no confirmed evidence of mechanical failure in the aircraft. Investigators from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), alongside Canadian authorities, are examining the wreckage and flight data to determine whether any technical faults were involved.

The crash forced the temporary closure of LaGuardia Airport, disrupting hundreds of flights and prompting renewed scrutiny of runway safety protocols. Aviation authorities say a full investigation is underway, with a focus on preventing similar tragedies in the future.