LaGuardia Crash Triggers Chaos: Flights Grounded, Newark Evacuated
LaGuardia Crash Triggers Chaos: Flights Grounded, Newark Evacuated
A runway collision at LaGuardia triggers a regional ground stop and delays, while Newark's ATC tower is evacuated over a burning smell, intensifying NYC travel chaos.
A plane collided with a Port Authority fire truck on a runway at LaGuardia Airport early Monday, prompting a ground stop and forcing authorities to halt all operations at the airport through the morning. The incident left travelers stranded, with more than 100 flights delayed region-wide as crews assessed the scene and cleared the runway.
The Fire Department responded to the scene, and investigators began examining what caused the collision. Officials urged travelers to monitor carrier updates as the airport worked to restore order and resume arrivals and departures.
In the broader region, Newark's air traffic control tower was evacuated after a report of a burning smell coming from an elevator, adding to the disruption of flights into and out of New York across several hours. The temporary tower shutdown slowed handling of arrivals and departures and prolonged delays already tied to LaGuardia.
Some early reports have raised questions about whether controller distraction played a role in the LaGuardia incident, though authorities cautioned against premature conclusions as data from towers and cockpit recordings is reviewed.
Travelers are advised to check with their airlines, expect long lines and rerouted itineraries, and consider alternative airports if possible. Local officials and airlines said they are working to restore normal service as quickly and safely as possible.
