A fire truck operator at New York's LaGuardia Airport recalled hearing urgent commands moments before a catastrophic collision with an Air Canada Express jet, according to preliminary findings released by U.S. safety investigators.
The Port Authority worker told investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that he heard someone shouting "stop, stop, stop" just before impact in March, though he was uncertain whether the instructions were directed at his vehicle or another aircraft or ground vehicle on the runway.
The collision claimed the lives of both pilots aboard the Air Canada Express CRJ-900 regional jet, marking one of the most serious aviation incidents involving a Canadian carrier in recent years.
Key Safety Details Emerge
The NTSB preliminary report also confirmed that runway warning lights—designed to illuminate in red when a runway is actively in use—were activated at the time of the crash. The revelation raises questions about communication protocols and situational awareness between ground crews and aircraft operations at the busy New York airport.
The incident has reignited discussions about runway safety procedures at major North American airports, where coordinating multiple aircraft, emergency vehicles, and ground support operations remains a critical challenge.
For Canadians with family or business ties to the U.S. Northeast, the crash underscores the importance of aviation safety oversight. The NTSB investigation is ongoing, with additional findings expected in coming months.
This report is based on preliminary findings from the National Transportation Safety Board investigation into the March 2025 LaGuardia Airport runway collision. Read the original reporting at the National Post.