A flight attendant who was ejected from a passenger plane during a deadly runway collision at LaGuardia Airport has survived in what family members are calling “a complete miracle.”
Solange Tremblay, a crew member aboard an Air Canada Express flight operated by Jazz Aviation, was thrown more than 100 metres from the aircraft while still strapped into her seat when the plane collided with a fire truck during landing.
“It’s a complete miracle,” her daughter, Sarah Lépine, said in an interview. “They found her and she was still strapped into her seat… It could have been much worse.”
Deadly Runway Collision
The CRJ-900 aircraft was landing when it struck a fire truck on the runway, killing both pilots and injuring several others on board. Authorities confirmed that at least nine people were hospitalized following the crash.
Among those killed were pilots identified as Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther.
The tragedy has drawn international attention, with Mark Carney describing the घटना as “deeply saddening.”
Survival Against the Odds
Tremblay, who has worked as a flight attendant for more than two decades, sustained multiple injuries, including bone fractures and a broken leg that required surgery.
Despite the severity of the crash, her survival after being ejected such a significant distance has been described by family as extraordinary.
Investigation and Safety Questions
Preliminary air traffic control recordings suggest that a runway vehicle had been cleared to cross before controllers attempted to halt it as the aircraft approached.
Audio captures urgent warnings to the vehicle moments before impact, followed by distress among controllers after the collision.
The incident has raised serious questions about runway coordination and safety procedures at one of the busiest airports in the United States. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
Industry Response
In a statement, the Air Line Pilots Association expressed condolences over the loss of the flight crew, calling it a “profound tragedy” for the aviation community.
