NEW YORK — In a tragic accident at New York's LaGuardia Airport, an Air Canada regional jet collided with a fire truck shortly after landing, resulting in the deaths of the pilots and injuries to many passengers and crew members. Survivors shared harrowing accounts of escaping and helping others amidst the chaos.

As the plane came to a sudden halt amid a cloud of debris and the smell of fuel, passengers sprang into action. Clément Lelièvre, a passenger, recounted the moment: Strangely enough, I wasn’t scared or panicked. I think most of us were pretty aware of what happened. So we all went outside; we got other people out.”

Initially, 40 passengers, crew, and two firefighters were hospitalized. Most injuries were not life-threatening, and many individuals were released by Monday morning. The flight attendant, who was ejected from the aircraft, was among the survivors found outside.

As investigations into the causes of the collision continue, it has been confirmed that the Air Canada jet was cleared to land while the fire truck had been given permission to check on another aircraft that had aborted its takeoff due to reports of odor onboard. Communications from an air traffic controller were broadcast, frantically telling the fire truck to stop just seconds before the collision.

Lelièvre credited the pilots’ quick reflexes, stating that they braked hard as soon as the plane touched down, likely saving more lives. If they hadn’t braked, we would have been in worse shape, I’m sure of that, he said.

The accident led to a temporary shutdown of LaGuardia, already facing strain from a partial government shutdown, and raised questions about air traffic control and ground traffic coordination. Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, indicated that the runway would be closed for several days as investigators sift through debris.

The cockpit and flight data recorders were recovered, with the Transportation Secretary noting staffing shortages among air traffic controllers. The crash marks a significant incident as it is the first fatal accident at LaGuardia in 34 years. A team from the Canadian government is also taking part in the investigation and inquiry into safety protocols at airports.