A Delta Air Lines flight arriving from Minneapolis experienced a devastating incident at Toronto Pearson Airport, where it crashed and overturned while landing. Despite the seriousness of the situation, all passengers and crew members survived, though three individuals were critically injured.
The airport’s Chief Executive, Deborah Flint, confirmed that 76 passengers and four crew were on board the CRJ900 aircraft at the time of the incident, which occurred around 2:15 PM ET (19:15 GMT) on Monday. Of the injured, a child and two adults required emergency medical attention, and a total of 18 passengers were transported to local hospitals.
Flint praised the emergency response as “textbook,” crediting the swift actions of first responders for preventing any fatalities. The injured included individuals who suffered from smoke inhalation after the aircraft overturned on the snow-covered tarmac.
The flight encountered complications upon landing, leading to its abrupt turn onto its roof. Eyewitness accounts captured individuals exiting the aircraft, with fire crews using foam to manage potential fire hazards.
The airport was temporarily closed following the crash, leading to numerous flight delays and cancellations. Many passengers reported being stranded due to the aftermath, compounding the disruptions caused by recent winter weather, which had already resulted in heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures across Ontario.
Authorities stated that both the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) and Toronto Pearson’s fire chief are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. The TSB is deploying a team to gather information and assess the situation, while two runways remain closed to facilitate the investigation.
As investigations unfold, the airport continues to respond to the operational challenges posed by inclement weather and the recent incident.
Credit: BBC News
