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Diaspora leaders express grief over Air Canada crash in NY
The collision involving an Air Canada aircraft and a runway vehicle is under federal investigation as authorities assess safety lapses and assist affected passengers.
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Malvika Choudhary - Mon, 23, Mar 2026
- 13:31 EDT
- 47
(From L-R) Anita Anand, Zohran Mamdani, Saritha Komatireddy / File Photo
Indian-origin leaders expressed grief after an Air Canada jet collided with a fire truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on March 22, killing two pilots and injuring dozens.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he had been briefed on the incident and confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation. “I have been briefed on the tragic collision that took place at LaGuardia Airport late last night,” Mamdani said.
Also Read: Plane collides with fire truck at New York airport, multiple injuries reported
“The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, and the City is in close contact with federal, state, and local partners,” he added.
Mamdani also acknowledged emergency responders. “I am grateful to our first responders, whose swift actions saved lives,” he said.
I have been briefed on the tragic collision that took place at LaGuardia Airport late last night.
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) March 23, 2026
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, and the City is in close contact with federal, state, and local partners. I am grateful to our first…
Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand expressed condolences and said consular assistance is being extended.
“I reiterate my profound and utter sadness at the loss of two pilots during this tragic accident. I am thinking of their families and friends, as well as the passengers on board, including those who were injured,” Anand said.
“Our consular officials are in contact with local authorities and are providing assistance to the passengers. An additional consular team is en route to New York to support those affected,” she added.
I reiterate my profound and utter sadness at the loss of two pilots during this tragic accident. I am thinking of their families and friends, as well as the passengers on board, including those who were injured. I am also thinking about the broader aviation community who are… https://t.co/VkXDMDpZLF
— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) March 23, 2026
Saritha Komatireddy, who is running for New York Attorney General, expressed condolences following the collision at New York’s LaGuardia Airport that left two pilots dead and several others injured.
“Following last night’s incident at LaGuardia Airport, my thoughts are with the passengers, crew, and Port Authority police who were injured, and the families of the pilot and co-pilot who passed away,” Komatireddy said in a post on X.
She also thanked emergency responders for their swift action. “Thank you to the first responders who moved swiftly to help those in need,” she said.
Following last night’s incident at LaGuardia Airport, my thoughts are with the passengers, crew, and Port Authority police who were injured, and the families of the pilot and co-pilot who passed away.
— Saritha Komatireddy (@sarithaforny) March 23, 2026
Thank you to the first responders who moved swiftly to help those in need.
The crash occurred when an Air Canada Express CRJ-900 aircraft, arriving from Montreal with 72 passengers and four crew members, struck a Port Authority fire truck on the runway while landing, according to officials.
Both the pilot and co-pilot were killed. More than 40 people were taken to hospitals, with several sustaining serious injuries.
Officials said the fire truck was responding to a separate emergency involving another aircraft when the collision occurred. Preliminary air traffic control audio suggests that both the aircraft and the vehicle may have been cleared onto the same runway, raising the possibility of miscommunication.
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation, with Canadian authorities assisting.
LaGuardia Airport was shut down following the collision, leading to widespread disruption, with hundreds of flights canceled or diverted across the New York region.
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