‘A Miracle’: A flight attendant was launched from her seat during a fatal runway crash and the reason she survived has investigators stunned
Defying all odds.
In what’s being called a “complete miracle,” a flight attendant was ejected over 100 meters from an Air Canada Jazz jet during a fatal runway collision at New York’s LaGuardia airport on Sunday, yet miraculously survived. Solange Tremblay, who has been a flight attendant with Jazz Aviation for 26 years, was still strapped into her seat when she was found, a detail that has left many stunned.
According to The Guardian, the CRJ-900 jet, operated by Jazz Aviation under the Air Canada Express brand, collided with a fire truck as it was landing. This horrific incident tragically killed both the pilot and co-pilot onboard. Beyond the fatalities, nine individuals, including Tremblay, were sent to the hospital with various injuries.
Tremblay’s daughter, Sarah Lépine, shared her profound relief and astonishment at her mother’s survival. “It’s a complete miracle,” Lépine stated.
Tremblay has a long road to recovery ahead
“At the moment of impact, her seat was ejected more than 100 meters from the plane. They found her and she was still strapped into her seat.” Lépine firmly believes her mother had a “guardian angel watching over her,” adding that the situation “could have been much worse.” Tremblay suffered multiple bone fractures and required surgery for a broken leg.
The aviation community is mourning the loss of the two pilots. Sources have identified them as Antoine Forest, 30, from Coteau-du-Lac, and Mackenzie Gunther. Forest had joined Jazz Aviation in 2022.
Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, the world’s largest airline pilot union, expressed the deep sorrow felt by many. “The loss of our two fellow crew members onboard Flight 8646 is a profound tragedy,” Ambrosi said. He emphasized that “these pilots dedicated their careers to the safe transport of passengers, and we are all thinking of their families, loved ones, and colleagues at Jazz Aviation during this devastating time.”
The moments leading up to the collision were captured in air traffic control recordings. Staff could be heard on a radio transmission giving a vehicle clearance to cross part of the runway, only to then desperately try and stop it. “Stop, Truck 1. Stop,” the transmission blares as the controller attempts to divert incoming aircraft from landing.
After the collision, audio shows air traffic controllers discussing the incident with palpable distress. One controller remarked that the impact “wasn’t good to watch.” Another controller responded, “Yeah, I know I was here. I tried to reach out… we were dealing with an emergency earlier. I messed up.” In a moment of support, the other controller reassured them, saying, “Nah, man, you did the best you could.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also commented on the incident, calling the collision “deeply saddening.” The investigation into what exactly went wrong is ongoing.
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