Jon Kay had been presenting the show with Sally Nugent when he shared the devastating news of two deaths following a collision between a plane and firetruck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport
Jon Kay had to halt the show in order to deliver the heartbreaking news(Image: BBC)
BBC Breakfast’s Jon Kay was forced to stop the show to bring viewers some tragic breaking news. Viewers were left stunned when the presenter broke the news of a horrific incident taking place at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
The BBC presenter shared the heartbreaking update with viewers during Monday’s (March 23) programme, revealing there have also been reports of multiple casualties. It was announced by local emergency services that both a pilot and co-pilot died following a crash at the international airport.
Addressing the audience, Jon said: “A pilot and a co-pilot have died after a collision between a plane and a firetruck at a runway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.” He then signalled to a livestream of what was going on at the airport, with a slew of emergency vehicles surrounding the damaged plane.
“We’ve got some live pictures coming into us from the scene now,” he explained. “The aircraft was arriving from Canada when it struck the vehicle.
“Local media are reporting that a number of people have also been injured in that incident, and the airport has been closed until further notice. We’ll update you as the programme goes on,” he said, according to the Mirror.
The live images of the wreckage were broadcast to BBC audiences as viewers could witness the extensive damage, which was at the nose of the aircraft, which was angled upwards. Emergency services also swarmed around the plane as investigations got underway as to what caused the collision.
Reports suggest the plane was carrying nearly 80 passengers when it smashed into the vehicle at approximately 24mph, according to Flightradar24. On X, the New York City Police Department issued a statement regarding the incident, urging people to steer clear of the area if possible.
It stated: “Due to an emergency incident at LaGuardia Airport, all streets and highway exits into the airport are closed until further notice.” Local news outlets have reported that The National Transportation Safety Board will be deploying a go team to investigate the collision.
NBC News reports that according to an alert by the Federal Aviation Administration, no flights will be departing or arriving at New York’s LaGuardia Airport until 2 p.m. ET (7pm British time) today. The airport was initially shut down in the early hours of this morning when the aircraft collided with the vehicle, which was responding to an unrelated incident.
Jon fronted the latest programme alongside co-host Sally Nugent just a day after the show paid tribute to broadcasting legend Dame Jenni Murray following her sad death aged 75. She was described in the show as being a “broadcasting icon”, with a “fearless” knack for interviewing guests.
The report continued: “Dame Jenni Murray formed a strong bond with listeners, and was never scared of asking the questions others might avoid. Her encounters captivated listeners.”
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