Harrowing audio from crash

The conversation between the air traffic controller and the driver of the firefighting vehicle were captured on a harrowing recording obtained by ATC Audio, a YouTube channel by aviation enthusiasts.

Air traffic control was heard to clear the firefighting vehicle to cross the runway just seconds before the crash happened.

"Truck 1 and company — LaGuardia Tower. Requesting to cross 4 at Delta," the firefighting vehicle says.

"Truck 1 and company, cross 4 Delta," the air traffic controller says, about 15 seconds before the crash.

"Truck 1 and company crossing 4 at delta," the truck confirms.

Then, the tower is heard giving instructions to stop — first to a Frontier airlines flight, then to the truck: "Frontier 4195. Just stop there, please. Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. Truck 1. Stop."

Then what sounds like another voice joins in from the tower. "Stop truck 1, stop! Stop truck 1, stop!"

A beeping alert goes off before there are a few seconds of silence.

"Jazz 646. I see you collide with vehicle. Just hold position. I know you can't move. Vehicles are responding to you now."

Then there is a flurry of communication as the tower communicates to other flights that Runway 4-22 is closed.

By Peter Gill

peter.gill@newsday.com