They survived because the fire truck’s cab was not hit directly; the aircraft struck the side/rear portion of the vehicle, leaving the crew compartment largely intact. Reporting also says the cab remained undamaged, which likely protected the two rescue workers inside.

What likely protected them

  • The impact appears to have hit the side of the truck rather than the cab where the firefighters were seated.
  • The vehicle was knocked onto its side, but the crew area stayed structurally sound enough for them to survive.

What happened after

  • Both personnel were hospitalized in stable condition after the crash.
  • One was later discharged the same day, and the other was released a few days later for rehabilitation.

Important context

This was a serious runway collision at LaGuardia involving an Air Canada regional aircraft and a Port Authority rescue vehicle; investigators have been examining how the truck ended up on the runway and what safety layers failed.

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