LaGuardia Airport suspended operations late Sunday after an Air Canada regional jet collided with a Port Authority firefighting vehicle on the tarmac.
The Federal Aviation Administration put a ground stop in place and warned the halt could remain in effect for an extended period.
The aircraft, a CRJ-900 operated by Jazz Aviation on behalf of Air Canada, had arrived from Montreal and was slowing on the runway when it struck the emergency vehicle at roughly 24 mph.
A preliminary manifest shows about 76 people aboard, including four crew, and local outlets say the plane sustained heavy damage and several people were hurt.
Social media video of the scene captured the jet resting with its nose tipped upward after the impact.
LaGuardia officials confirmed the collision involved a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting unit that had been responding to a separate situation, and emergency response procedures were immediately activated.
Port Authority police were dispatched to the scene, joined by agency leadership, and the New York City Police Department closed all streets and highway exits leading to the airport.
Authorities urged drivers to avoid the area while first responders work and traffic detours are established.
The Fire Department of New York warned travelers to expect flight cancellations and delays and advised motorists to choose alternate routes.
The National Transportation Safety Board is sending a team to investigate the circumstances of the collision.
Airport and transportation officials said they will provide updates as the investigation and recovery efforts continue.
Travelers with flights to or from LaGuardia should check with their airlines for the latest information and expect disruption for the foreseeable future.
