A flight attendant involved in a tragic incident at New York’s LaGuardia airport on Sunday has been described by her daughter as experiencing a “complete miracle” after she was ejected more than 100 meters from her aircraft while still strapped into her seat. The Air Canada Jazz flight, a CRJ-900 jet, collided with a fire truck upon landing, resulting in the deaths of both the pilot and co-pilot, while nine other individuals sustained injuries.
Solange Tremblay, the flight attendant, was reportedly taken to the hospital to undergo surgery for multiple bone fractures, including a broken leg. Her daughter, Sarah Lépine, recounted the harrowing details to Quebec’s TVA News, expressing gratitude for her mother’s survival. “They found her and she was still strapped into her seat,” Lépine stated. “It’s a complete miracle. At the moment of impact, her seat was ejected more than 100 meters from the plane. She had a guardian angel watching over her. It could have been much worse.”
Tremblay has been a dedicated employee of Jazz Aviation for 26 years, working as a flight attendant throughout her career. Jazz Aviation, which operates regional flights on behalf of Air Canada, is part of Chorus Aviation.
The incident has drawn significant attention, particularly as details surrounding the crash begin to surface. TVA reported that one of the deceased pilots, Antoine Forest, was a 30-year-old who had joined Jazz Aviation in 2022. In response to the tragedy, Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, expressed deep condolences, acknowledging the commitment of the pilots to the safety of their passengers and offering support to their families and loved ones.
Audio recordings from air traffic control prior to the collision revealed a frantic attempt to manage the situation. Controllers could be heard issuing clearance for a vehicle to cross the runway, followed by urgent commands to halt the vehicle as the aircraft was landing. “Stop, Truck 1. Stop,” one controller pleaded over the radio. After the crash, discussions among controllers highlighted the chaos that ensued, including a comment from one controller who expressed distress over witnessing the impact.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also weighed in, describing the collision as “deeply saddening.” The aviation community, along with families and friends of the victims, are grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event, as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision continue.
