LaGuardia Runway Reopens After Fatal Crash Cleanup
Wreckage removed from LaGuardia runway three days after collision killed two pilots
LaGuardia Crash Wreckage Cleared After 2 Deaths
Airport workers removed the wreckage of an Air Canada Express jet from LaGuardia Airport's runway Wednesday, three days after a deadly collision with a Port Authority fire truck killed two pilots. The crash Sunday night involved a plane carrying 76 people from Montreal that collided with the fire truck seconds after an air traffic controller cleared the truck to cross the runway. Approximately 40 people were treated at area hospitals, with all but four passengers released by Wednesday.
Context
The collision blocked one of LaGuardia's two runways since Monday, forcing the airport to operate at reduced capacity during the investigation and cleanup. Airport officials said the wreckage removal was a complex operation requiring specialized equipment to safely move both the damaged aircraft and fire truck. The crash occurred when the plane, arriving from Montreal, struck the Port Authority fire truck that had been cleared to cross the active runway. Officials haven't released details about why the clearance was given with an aircraft approaching.
Details
Airport workers began removing the wreckage around 5 p.m. Wednesday, using two tow trucks to right the damaged fire truck before towing the jet's remains to a hangar for investigation. The two pilots killed in the accident were identified as Mackenzie Gunther and Antoine Forest. Many passengers managed to escape the damaged aircraft, including a flight attendant who survived after being thrown onto the tarmac while still strapped in her seat. The two Port Authority Police Department firefighters in the truck survived the collision.
Timeline
The collision occurred Sunday night when the Montreal-bound flight landed at LaGuardia. The crash blocked the runway starting Monday, with airport operations continuing on the remaining runway. Crews began the wreckage removal operation Wednesday around 5 p.m., completing the work later that evening. Authorities haven't said when the runway will fully reopen for normal operations.
Impact
The four passengers who remained hospitalized Wednesday were being treated for various injuries, though officials didn't specify their conditions. The incident remains under investigation by federal authorities, who'll examine air traffic control communications and the sequence of events leading to the collision. Travelers using LaGuardia can check Moovit for real-time updates on ground transportation options to and from the airport during the ongoing investigation.
