Officials confirmed all 80 passengers on board a plane that crashed and overturned during landing in Toronto have survived the incident. The Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis skidded along the runway, catching fire before coming to a stop upside down. Firefighters promptly responded to assist the passengers in exiting the aircraft, with survivors recounting the harrowing experience of being suspended upside down in their seats and having to release themselves before climbing onto the snowy tarmac.
Despite 18 individuals sustaining injuries, only a few are believed to be seriously harmed. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash involving the 16-year-old CRJ900 aircraft manufactured by Canada’s Bombardier company. Emergency responders were lauded for their swift and effective actions, with Deborah Flint from the Greater Toronto Airports Authority praising their efforts in preventing any loss of life.
The US Federal Aviation Administration identified the flight as being operated by Delta’s Endeavor Air subsidiary. The incident occurred around 14:15 ET (19:15 GMT) on Monday, with 22 of the passengers being Canadian nationals and the remaining individuals being of various nationalities. The airport temporarily closed following the crash, but operations resumed around 17:00 local time, albeit with some delays expected.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is actively investigating the incident, necessitating the closure of two runways for several days. Toronto Pearson Fire Chief Todd Aitken clarified that weather conditions were favorable during the crash, despite prior reports of strong winds. Footage circulated on social media shows passengers evacuating the overturned aircraft as fire crews worked to extinguish the flames.
Multiple passengers shared their shock and disbelief online, highlighting the sudden turn of events. Among the individuals hospitalized, a child, a man in his 60s, and a woman in her 40s sustained the most severe injuries. The aftermath of the crash caused significant disruptions to airport operations, leaving many travelers stranded in Toronto.
James and Andrea Turner described the chaotic scene at the airport as they were evacuated from the customs area. The airport had been grappling with weather-related challenges due to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures in the preceding days. Inclement weather conditions prevailed in Toronto, with snowfall reported at the time of the crash. Airport authorities had issued warnings about impending harsh weather conditions, anticipating a busy day as airlines worked to recover from disruptions.
Over the weekend, a significant snowstorm swept through the region, causing havoc for travelers and residents alike. The aftermath of the storm revealed a tragic aviation incident, marking at least the fourth major air disaster in North America within the past month.
The most devastating of these incidents took place near Washington DC, where a passenger plane and a military helicopter collided in mid-air, resulting in the loss of all 67 individuals on board. The collision sent shockwaves through the aviation community and left many questioning the safety and oversight of air travel in the region.
The crash serves as a somber reminder of the risks and vulnerabilities inherent in the aviation industry. As investigators work tirelessly to determine the cause of the collision, families and loved ones of the victims are left to mourn and grapple with the harsh reality of their loss.
The tragedy has reignited conversations about the need for enhanced safety measures and stricter regulations to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. It also highlights the importance of ensuring proper communication and coordination between civilian and military aircraft to avoid catastrophic accidents like the one near Washington DC.
As the investigation unfolds and more details emerge, the aviation community is left to reflect on the fragility of life and the profound impact of such devastating events. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this tragic collision, and we hope that lessons can be learned to prevent similar tragedies from happening again in the future.
