Two pilots lost their lives Sunday night when an Air Canada Express regional jet struck a Port Authority fire truck on a runway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.

The incident involved Flight 8646, a Bombardier CRJ-900 arriving from Montreal with 72 passengers and four crew members aboard. The collision happened shortly after landing, around 11:40 p.m. local time on Runway 4, severely damaging the aircraft’s nose section while overturning the emergency vehicle.

Port Authority officials confirmed the pilot and first officer died in the impact. Dozens of passengers and crew required hospital treatment for injuries ranging from minor to serious, though no fatalities were reported among those on board beyond the flight deck crew. The two firefighters in the vehicle were also hospitalized.

Air traffic control audio indicates the fire truck had received clearance to cross the runway while responding to a separate incident involving another aircraft elsewhere on the field. Investigators are examining communications, runway procedures, and possible factors leading to the vehicles and aircraft occupying the same space.

The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a formal inquiry, with initial on-scene work underway. LaGuardia Airport suspended operations for several hours following the event but reopened Monday afternoon.

Air Canada Express, operated by Jazz Aviation, expressed condolences for the crew members, described by aviation officials as young professionals early in their careers. Support teams are assisting affected passengers and families.