Could the LaGuardia plane crash have caused more serious casualties? Expert explains how ‘sheer luck’ saves most travelers

An Air Canada Express jet crashed into a Port Authority fire truck while landing late Sunday night, killing two pilots and injuring dozens on board and on the ground. However, the specific point of impact plays a key role in preventing catastrophic fires.

David Soucie, a former Federal Aviation Administration safety inspector, told CNN that the plane hit “right in the middle of the fire truck,” which pushed the truck forward and limited most of the damage to the nose of the plane.

Also read: Crew shortages, rainy weather: Officials’ take on LaGuardia crash

“It would have started a fire and … killed a lot of people,” he said.

“While this is a tragedy for the two people we lost, it was pure luck,” he added, adding that the location of the impact significantly reduced the death toll.

Also read: LaGuardia Airport update: First flight takes off after tragic Air Canada crash; airport says ‘expect delays’

The resulting collision destroyed the fire truck, severely damaged the aircraft and scattered debris on the runway.

Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Brian Bedford described the two pilots who died as “young men just starting out in their careers.” One victim was reportedly identified as Antoine Forest.

Authorities are currently investigating a series of events that led to a miscommunication at the runway.