A GoFundMe campaign has surpassed $188,000 to support Solange Tremblay, a flight attendant critically injured when an Air Canada Express plane collided with a fire truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on March 22. The outpouring of support reflects the strong connection passengers and the public often feel with cabin crew, and the significant challenges Ms. Tremblay faces in her recovery. The incident, which also tragically claimed the lives of both pilots, is under investigation by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The fundraiser, initiated by Ms. Tremblay’s daughter, Sarah Lépine, details the severity of her mother’s injuries. According to the GoFundMe page, Ms. Tremblay was thrown approximately 320 feet upon impact, sustaining multiple fractures and requiring extensive medical intervention. The campaign highlights the long road ahead for the veteran flight attendant, who dedicated her career to passenger safety and service.
The Crash at LaGuardia and the Initial Response
The incident occurred as Air Canada Express Flight 8646, a Bombardier CRJ 900 operated by Jazz Aviation – a subsidiary of Chorus Aviation – was landing at LaGuardia Airport. The aircraft originated in Montreal. According to the NTSB, the plane struck a fire truck on the runway. The collision resulted in the destruction of the aircraft’s nose and the deaths of pilots Antoine Forest, of Coteau-du-Lac, and Mackenzie Gunther, of Ontario. The NTSB released a preliminary report on April 12, detailing the sequence of events and ongoing investigative efforts.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, providing immediate medical attention to those injured. Ms. Tremblay, one of two flight attendants on board, was transported to a New York hospital where she remains under care. The other flight attendant sustained minor injuries. The fire truck involved was responding to an unrelated medical emergency on another aircraft at the time of the collision, raising questions about runway access protocols.
Solange Tremblay’s Injuries and Recovery
Ms. Lépine’s GoFundMe appeal provides a harrowing account of her mother’s condition. Ms. Tremblay suffered two shattered legs, a broken spine, and extensive skin abrasions from being dragged along the tarmac. She has already undergone one blood transfusion and requires multiple surgeries, including skin grafts, to repair the damage.
Solange Tremblay.Supplied
“My mom has suffered so much from this event and regrettably her struggles are far from over,” Ms. Lépine wrote on the fundraising page. “She will have to undergo several other surgeries, along with intensive rehabilitation to learn how to walk again.” The funds raised will cover mounting medical expenses, ongoing therapy, and the costs associated with Ms. Tremblay’s extended stay in New York. Her family anticipates she will remain in the city for the foreseeable future.
The NTSB Investigation and Key Questions
The NTSB investigation is focused on a number of critical areas, including the circumstances surrounding the fire truck’s presence on the runway. Investigators are examining communication between air traffic control and the vehicle, as well as protocols for managing simultaneous emergencies. The preliminary report indicates that air traffic control cleared the fire truck to cross the runway shortly before the Air Canada Express flight landed. The Globe and Mail reported that U.S. Officials are also probing potential staffing, fatigue, and communication failures that may have contributed to the accident.
Jazz Aviation and Chorus Aviation have not yet publicly commented on the incident, and did not respond to emailed inquiries from The Globe and Mail, according to reporting. The NTSB is expected to release a more comprehensive report within the next year, providing a detailed analysis of the crash and recommendations for preventing similar incidents in the future.
Supporting Solange and Her Family
The rapid response to the GoFundMe campaign demonstrates the widespread desire to support Ms. Tremblay during this tough time. As of today, April 18, 2024, the campaign has raised over $188,000, exceeding its initial goal.
Ms. Tremblay recovers in hospital. To her left is a woman identified by TVA Nouvelles as her sister.Supplied
The NTSB’s ongoing investigation is expected to provide further clarity on the factors that led to the crash. The agency will release its next update, a factual report, within the coming months. Those wishing to contribute to Ms. Tremblay’s recovery can do so through the GoFundMe page: Help Air Canada Flight Attendant Solange Tremblay Recover.
We encourage readers to share this story and offer support to Ms. Tremblay and her family during this challenging time. Please feel free to leave your thoughts and well wishes in the comments below.
