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Two Pilots Killed, Dozens Injured After Air Canada Jet Collides with Fire Truck

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Two pilots were killed and at least 41 people were hospitalized after an Air Canada regional jet struck a Port Authority fire truck on a runway at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night, officials said.

The incident occurred around 11:40 p.m. on March 22, 2026, when Air Canada Flight 8646 — operated by Jazz Aviation as an Air Canada Express service — was landing after departing from Montreal.

The Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft, carrying 72 passengers and four crew members, collided with the airport’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle, which was crossing the runway in response to a separate incident.

Both the captain, identified as 30-year-old Antoine Forest, and the first officer, Mackenzie Gunther, died in the crash. The impact heavily damaged the cockpit area of the jet.

At least 41 passengers and crew were transported to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to serious, while additional people were treated at the scene. Two Port Authority workers in the fire truck were also reported injured.

Passengers described the collision as sudden and violent, with some crediting the pilots’ actions for helping mitigate a worse outcome.

CCTV and other video footage captured the moments leading up to and during the collision, showing the aircraft striking the emergency vehicle. Air traffic control audio reportedly included urgent calls of “Stop, truck 1. Stop” just before impact.

LaGuardia Airport was temporarily closed following the crash, causing widespread flight delays and cancellations across the New York area. It reopened on Monday at reduced capacity as investigators continued their work on the scene.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), along with Canadian aviation authorities and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, have launched a full investigation into the runway incursion and collision.

Preliminary reports suggest the fire truck had been cleared to cross the active runway.

Air Canada expressed condolences to the families of the deceased pilots and said it is cooperating fully with investigators.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic event,” the airline stated. This marks a rare fatal ground collision at a major U.S. airport in recent years, raising fresh questions about runway safety protocols and vehicle movements during active landings.

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International

Ugandan govt detains 62 Nigerians for ‘operating church without work permits’

Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the country’s ministry of internal affairs, said the Nigerians often pose as gospel preachers and engage in other illegal activities.

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Photo of the detained Nigerian preachers ( NCIC/X)

The Ugandan government has detained 62 Nigerians for “illegally operating” a church, as well as living and working in the country without valid permits.

In a statement posted on its X handle on Wednesday, the Ugandan national citizenship and immigration control (NCIC), said that the arrest followed a tip-off after learning that the individuals were operating illegally without the required permits.

“Following a tip-off, our enforcement team has arrested 62 Nigerian nationals operating illegally in Adjumani (without work permits),” the statement reads.

The group, primarily found operating a church among other things, is now being processed for prosecution under Uganda’s immigration.

Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the country’s ministry of internal affairs, said the Nigerians often pose as gospel preachers and engage in other illegal activities.

He added that they are currently being held at the ministry’s Namanve facility, where they are undergoing legal processes that could result in deportation, fines, or blacklisting.

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International

US war in Iran has cost $25 billion so far, says Pentagon official

Jules Hurst, who is performing the duties of the comptroller, told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee that most of that money was for munitions.

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The United States’ war in Iran has cost $25 billion so far, a senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday, providing the first official estimate of the military’s ‌price tag for the conflict.

With just six months before midterm elections in which President Donald Trump’s Republicans may face an uphill battle to keep their House majority, Democrats are riding high in public opinion polls as they attempt to link the unpopular Iran war with affordability.

Jules Hurst, who is performing the duties of the comptroller, told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee that most of that money was for munitions.

Hurst did not detail what that cost estimate included and whether it took into account the projected costs of rebuilding and repairing ⁠base infrastructure in the Middle East damaged in the conflict.

Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, responded to Hurst: “I’m glad you answered that question. Because we’ve been asking for a hell of a long time, and no one’s given us the number.”

(Reuters)

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International

BREAKING: Trump, Wife Narrowly Escape Assassination (Video)

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.…as gunman invades dinner party venue. US secret service begins probes

The United States Secret Service has launched an investigation into a shooting incident that occurred in Washington during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton.

In a statement, the agency said it is working with the Metropolitan Police Department to determine the circumstances of the incident, which occurred near a security screening area.

The shooting was reported close to the main magnetometer checkpoint used to screen guests, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement officers on duty.

The Chief of Communications, United States Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi, on its X handle today, confirmed that all protected individuals, including the president and first lady, were safe following the incident.

One suspect has been taken into custody, while authorities continue to assess the condition of those involved.Guglielmi said teams are on the ground actively investigating and gathering information, adding that updates will be provided as more details are confirmed.

The Suspects.

“We will provide updates as they become available and confirm information. Our teams are on the ground assessing the situation and investigating. All of our protectees are safe,” he added.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about security at major public events in the US capital, with authorities expected to review procedures as the investigation continues.

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