Eyewitnesses have described the moment Air Canada flight AC8646 crashed into a fire truck on the runway of New York's LaGuardia airport, killing two pilots and injuring dozens of others.
We were literally like 100 metres away, says 23-year-old Leo Medina, who was onboard another plane on the tarmac when the crash happened. It was like the plane got cut in half. He recounted how he had to return to the gate and had been waiting in the airport for more than 12 hours, sleeping on the floor on a bed of jackets.
After visiting the crash site on Monday, US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy emphasized the importance of wearing seat belts on aircraft, reflecting on the tragedy that underscored their life-saving potential. As you see from last night, they do save lives, Duffy stated during a news conference.
Forty-one individuals were treated for injuries, with many now released from hospital. The incident has led to a full investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), amid calls for clearer safety protocols following the shocking accident.
The pilots who lost their lives have been identified through reports, including Quebec native Antoine Forest, with the other pilot's name pending release. FAA administrator Bran Bedford described the event as a tragedy that claimed the lives of two young promising aviators.
Passenger Rebecca Liquori, who was on the aircraft from Montreal when it collided with the truck, shared her harrowing experience, recalling the fearful descent and the chaotic aftermath following the crash.
Despite the horror displayed on that fateful night, stories of heroism emerged from passengers assisting each other towards safety, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani praising the efforts of first responders as vital to saving lives.
The crash comes during challenging times in air travel, especially amid staffing shortages impacting various airport operations, raising concerns over their potential impact on safety and procedures going forward.
