One of the two pilots killed in a plane crash at New York's LaGuardia Airport has been identified as Antoine Forest, originally from Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec. The Air Canada Express flight, carrying 72 passengers and four crew members, collided with a firefighting vehicle while landing on Sunday night. The second pilot's identity has not yet been released.
Flight attendant Solange Tremblay miraculously survived after being thrown more than 100 metres from the aircraft while still strapped into her seat. Her daughter, Sarah Lépine, described it as 'a complete miracle'. Ms Tremblay suffered multiple fractures and is due to undergo surgery for a broken leg.
Audio from air traffic control revealed a controller frantically telling the firefighting vehicle to stop before the collision. The vehicle was crossing the runway after being cleared to respond to a United Airlines plane reporting an odour. About 40 passengers and crew were taken to hospitals, with most released by Monday morning.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed condolences, stating the airport would remain closed until 2:00 PM. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the crash.
