Toronto, February 18 – A Delta Air Lines jet carrying 80 people crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday, flipping upside down upon impact. Authorities confirmed that at least 17 people were injured, including three critically, but no fatalities were reported.
Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, was arriving from Minneapolis when the incident occurred. The aircraft, a CRJ-900, came to a halt with its wings clipped and its fuselage partially damaged.
Emergency Response and Passenger Safety
Paramedics reported that among the critically injured were a child, a man in his 60s, and a woman in her 40s. Delta stated that 18 people had suffered injuries in total. All wounded individuals, including those with minor injuries, were transported to area hospitals by ambulance or airlift.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the accident, which left the aircraft overturned on the icy tarmac. The crash occurred amid harsh winter conditions, with strong winds and freezing temperatures following a major snowstorm in eastern Canada.
Eyewitness Accounts and Dramatic Scenes
Videos shared on social media captured the harrowing moments following the crash, with passengers evacuating the plane while shielding themselves from the wind and snow.
One passenger, John Nelson, posted footage from the tarmac, stating, “Our plane crashed. It’s upside down. Most people appear to be okay. We’re all getting off.”
Firefighters swiftly responded, dousing the plane with water as smoke was seen rising from the fuselage.
Airport and Government Response
Toronto airport officials suspended all flights immediately after the incident but resumed operations around 5:00 PM local time. Passengers were advised to expect significant delays.
Airport CEO Deborah Flint praised emergency crews, calling their response “heroic” and emphasizing that no other aircraft were involved. “Many passengers have already reunited with their families,” she noted.
Federal Transport Minister Anita Anand and Ontario Premier Doug Ford both expressed relief that there were no casualties. Meanwhile, Canada’s Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration have launched investigations into the crash.
Recent Aviation Incidents in North America
The Toronto crash follows a series of recent air accidents in North America, including a mid-air collision in Washington that claimed 67 lives and a medical transport plane crash in Philadelphia that left seven dead.
Despite the severity of Monday’s crash, swift emergency action helped prevent a greater tragedy. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian extended his support to those affected, stating, “The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those impacted by today’s incident.”
The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.
