(NEW YORK CITY) - Two Pilots aboard Air Canada Regional Express Flight 8646 were killed after their plane collided with a Port Authority rescue and firefighting vehicle on Runway 4 at New York's LaGuardia Airport late Sunday (March 22nd), prompting a shutdown of the Airport as investigators began piecing together what happened.

LaGuardia remained closed into Monday morning while the Port Authority and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) examined the scene.

The Airport was closed until about 2 p.m., compounding delays for travelers already facing long security lines tied to staffing shortages during the partial Federal Government shutdown.

Captain Jason Ambrosi - who serves as President of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), released the following statement on the Union’s Facebook Page: “The loss of our two fellow Crew Members onboard Flight 8646 is a profound tragedy. These Pilots dedicated their careers to the safe transport of passengers and we are all thinking of their families, loved ones and colleagues at Jazz Aviation during this devastating time. ALPA's accident investigation team is on scene assisting the National Transportation Safety Board with its work and our Critical Incident Response Program is working to support ALPA Members and the families involved.”

Air Canada Flight 8646, operated by Regional Carrier Jazz Aviation as Air Canada Express, was arriving from Montreal when it struck a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle around 11:40 p.m. on Runway 4.

The vehicle, driven by sergeant Michael Orsillo and Officer Adrian Baez, had been dispatched to assist a United Airlines aircraft whose Pilot had reported an unusual cabin odor after multiple failed takeoff attempts.

According to the Port Authority, the plane was carrying 72 passengers and four Crew Members.

In total, 41 people from the flight and both Officers were taken to nearby hospitals.

Garcia said at a press conference the collision occurred during landing, adding that most of those hospitalized had since been released.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: Unions mourn pilots killed in LaGuardia runway collision - The Chief