Newly released audio from the LaGuardia Airport control tower captures a controller appearing to admit he “messed up” just seconds after an Air Canada Express regional jet collided with a fire truck on the runway a crash that killed the pilot and co‑pilot and injured dozens more.
The aircraft struck the emergency vehicle while landing late Sunday night, after the truck had been dispatched to respond to a separate incident involving a suspicious odour on another plane. The impact destroyed the front of the jet and sent oxygen cylinders exploding, injuring people both on board and on the ground.
CNN identified the pilot killed in the crash as Antoine Forest. Flight attendant Solange Tremblay was found alive outside the aircraft, still strapped into her seat. Her daughter confirmed she suffered multiple fractures and required surgery for a broken leg.
Around 40 passengers and crew were taken to nearby hospitals, some with serious injuries, though most have since been released.
The crash occurred at approximately 11:45pm as the regional jet arrived from Montreal. According to tower recordings, the fire truck had initially been cleared to cross the runway but moments later, a controller attempted to reverse the instruction in a frantic effort to prevent the collision.
Investigators are now examining communication logs, runway‑crossing protocols and emergency‑response procedures as they work to determine how the deadly miscommunication unfolded.
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