Two people have been killed after an Air Canada plane crashed into a fire truck after landing at New York's LaGuardia airport.
Earlier today it was revealed that Air Canada Express Flight 8646 operated by Jazz Aviation, had collided with a fire truck after landing at the airport from Montreal, Canada. The crash is understood to have taken place late at 11:40 p.m on Sunday night (Monday morning UK time).
The plane is believed to have been travelling between 24 to 30 mph when it collided with the vehicle.
According to NBC, sources familiar with the investigation have now confirmed that the aircraft's pilot and co-pilot have both been killed in the collision.
This has since been confirmed by Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia, who told reporters: "Sadly, the two pilots are confirmed deceased."
Jazz Aviation has also confirmed there were 72 passengers were travelling onboard Flight 8646, with 'more than a dozen' of those understood to have been injured in the crash and taken to nearby hospitals.
Garcia added that 41 passengers and crew members were taken to hospital in the aftermath of the collision, with 32 people since being discharged. However she did confirm that some of the injuries sustained were 'serious'.
Meanwhile two officers were stationed at the fire truck when the crash occurred, with NBC adding that a sergeant and an officer had been taken to hospital with broken limbs.
LaGuardia airport will remain closed until at least 2pm today (23 March), according to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Meanwhile New York's Police Department has warned people to 'expect delays and avoid the area if possible'.
"Due to an emergency incident at LaGuardia Airport, all streets and highway exits into the airport are closed until further notice," a statement from the force said.
"Expect cancellations, road closures, traffic delays & emergency personnel near LaGuardia Airport in Queens. Use alternate routes," added New York City Fire Department.
Brenna Cooper