NEW YORK (AP) — All but four of the passengers injured in Sunday's deadly collision between an Air Canada plane and a fire truck have been released from the hospital, the airline said Wednesday. Crews have started moving the wreckage from the runway at LaGuardia Airport.
The accident, which is currently under investigation, claimed the lives of two pilots. Around 40 individuals received medical treatment for varying injuries. Further details about the four people who remain hospitalized are forthcoming.
The airplane, coming from Montreal, was carrying 76 individuals when it collided with the fire truck that had been cleared to cross the runway moments before the impact.
Since the incident, the wreckage has obstructed access to one of the busiest airport's two runways. Efforts to clear the site began with removing the aircraft, as two powerful tow trucks operated in symphony to upright the damaged fire truck.
As of Wednesday evening, workers had begun to tow the wrecked aircraft from the site of tragedy. The tail of the jet was lifted onto a dolly and maneuvered by two vehicles working in tandem, while the middle section was supported by its intact landing gear.
Air Canada has announced plans to take the damaged aircraft to a hangar and will soon initiate the process of returning luggage and personal items to passengers.
After the crash, many passengers escaped the damaged aircraft, including a flight attendant who, despite being thrown onto the tarmac, survived thanks to her quick reflexes. Notably, the two firefighters from the Port Authority Police Department who were involved in the accident survived the ordeal.
The two deceased pilots have been identified as Mackenzie Gunther and Antoine Forest. A passenger, Clément Lelièvre, praised their exceptional efforts in stopping the plane just as it landed, potentially saving lives.
The story has also been corrected to note that there were 76 people aboard the plane, not 70.
