NEW YORK (AP) — The runway where a plane collided with a fire truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, killing the two pilots and injuring several others, reopened Thursday morning.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced operations resumed at around 10 a.m. after assuring that the runway and its associated infrastructure met Federal Aviation Administration regulations for safe operation.
The agency overseeing the region’s airports noted that reopening one of LaGuardia’s runways, one of the busiest in the country, will help “restore full operational capacity.” However, travelers have been advised to check in with their airlines regarding flight statuses.
Despite the reopening, LaGuardia continues to face operational challenges, registering the most delays and cancellations in the nation, with over 300 flights cancelled in the last 24 hours, according to Flight Aware, a flight tracking website.
The Air Canada aircraft involved in the incident and the fire truck were towed from the crash site late Wednesday as the National Transportation Safety Board continues its investigation.
The agency reported that the fire truck is now secured in an undisclosed location. Inquiries about the aircraft were directed to Air Canada, which has yet to respond to requests for comment.
The airline has announced plans to place the damaged plane in a hangar and begin reuniting passengers with their luggage and personal belongings. Michael Rousseau, Air Canada’s CEO, also apologized for a previous inability to communicate in French after facing criticism for an English-only condolence message.
The accident occurred late Sunday night as an Air Canada regional jet had just arrived from Montreal, carrying 76 people. The aircraft struck a fire truck that was cleared to cross the runway to respond to a separate incident involving another plane.
Approximately 40 individuals were treated for injuries, including the two firefighters and a flight attendant who was thrown onto the tarmac while seat-belted in her seat. Most have since been discharged from the hospital.
