'Odour In The Cabin': Fire Truck In Air Canada Crash Was Responding To Another Plane's Call

Last Updated:March 23, 2026, 16:52 IST

At LaGuardia Airport, an Air Canada Express jet from Montreal hit a fire truck, killing both pilots, after the truck responded to a United Airlines Flight 2384 odour emergency.

The fire truck that collided with an Air Canada Express jet at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on Sunday, killing both pilots, was responding to an “separate incident," officials said.

The CRJ-900 aircraft with 72 passengers and four crew members was arriving from Montreal when it slammed into a fire truck at a speed of about 24mph, according to flight tracking website Flightradar24. Follow LIVE Updates

Reuters quoted Kathryn Garcia, the executive director of the Port ​Authority of New York and New Jersey, saying that the fire truck was responding to a separate United Airlines aircraft that had “reported an issue with odour".

According to CBC News, the pilots of United Airlines Flight 2384 aborted its takeoff when an anti-ice warning light come on. They reported an odour in the cabin and requested assistance. CBC News quoted the pilots stating that the “flight attendants were feeling ill" and declared an emergency when no gates were immediately available.

Also Read: ‘Horribly Sick’: Passenger Recalls Terrifying Moments After Air Canada Express Crash At NY Airport

“We have an odour on the plane as well here at this time; we are going to be going back to the gate and request fire as well," the pilot told the controller.

Responding to the request, the controllers informed the crew that fire trucks were already on site.

Another transmission showed a fire truck was cleared to cross the Runway 4 at taxiway “Delta". However, moments later a controller could be heard saying: Stop, stop, stop, truck 1 stop, truck 1, stop," Reuters quoted the ATC audio.

Also Read ‘Stop, Stop, Stop’: Audio Captures ATC’s Panic Moments Before Air Canada Plane Hit Vehicle At NY Airport

Several videos of the collision emerged on social media showing evacuation and rescue operations underway at the airport. According to images, the front of the commuter plane was smashed and was seen tilting in the air.

In the aftermath of the incident, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed a ground stop for all flights at LaGuardia Airport until 0530 GMT, citing an emergency and warning that the restriction could be extended.

In a separate notice to airmen, the FAA said operations at the airport could be impacted until 1800 GMT, without providing further details on the nature of the emergency, according to Reuters.

News world 'Odour In The Cabin': Fire Truck In Air Canada Crash Was Responding To Another Plane's Call

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