By Brian Dakss
Senior Editor
Updated: March 23, 2026 / 4:47 AM EDT
LaGuardia Airport in New York was shut down late Sunday night after an arriving Air Canada Express aircraft collided with a Port Authority firefighting vehicle on a runway, officials said.
The Federal Aviation Administration imposed a ground stop for LaGuardia through at least 2 p.m. Monday, and significant delays and cancellations were expected as operations recovered.
A Port Authority spokesperson told CBS News that a Jazz Aviation flight operating on behalf of Air Canada was involved in an incident in which the aircraft struck a PA firefighting vehicle that had been responding to a separate situation on the field.
CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave reported that earlier United Airlines Flight 2384 aborted its takeoff after an anti-ice warning illuminated. The pilots also reported a strong odor in the cabin, said that flight attendants were feeling ill, and requested firefighters. When no gate was immediately available, the crew declared an emergency and asked for assistance.
Van Cleave said the Air Canada flight — Flight 8646 from Montreal, a Bombardier CRJ900 regional jet — had landed and was decelerating at roughly 24 mph when it struck the Port Authority vehicle. The collision likely occurred as passengers were exiting from the rear of the aircraft. Jazz Aviation said the flight had 72 passengers and four crew, subject to confirmation. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
CBS News investigative producer Pat Milton cited a source saying there were multiple injuries, including two firefighters. Most reported injuries were minor — bumps and bruises — though a few were described as more serious.
Authorities indicated the incident appears to be an accident; there is no indication of foul play or terrorism, sources told CBS News.
Recordings reviewed by Van Cleave suggested air traffic controllers attempted to stop the firefighting vehicle before the collision. Investigators are focused on how a communication breakdown allowed the vehicle to be on the runway while the plane was landing.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it was launching a go team to investigate the collision.
Passengers at LaGuardia were urged to check with their airlines for the latest flight status and rebooking options as recovery efforts continued into the morning.