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All 80 passengers and crew aboard a Delta Air Lines flight survived after the plane crashed and overturned while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport on
Monday. The incident, which occurred amid severe winter weather, left 18 people injured, including three in critical condition, but officials confirmed there were no fatalities.
The aircraft, operating as Delta Flight 4819 from Minneapolis, was attempting to land when it skidded off the runway, flipped, and came to rest upside-down on the snow-covered ground. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, evacuating all 76 passengers and four crew members. Among the injured were one child, a man in his 60s, and a woman in her 40s, who were transported to local hospitals in critical condition. The child, treated at the Hospital for Sick Children, was later reported to be in good condition. Twelve others sustained mild injuries, according to Peel Regional Paramedic Services.
Toronto Pearson President and CEO Deborah Flint praised the swift and coordinated response of airport personnel and first responders. “There was no loss of life, and this is in due part to our heroic and trained professionals, our first responders at the airport,” Flint said during a press briefing Monday evening. She also confirmed that 22 of the passengers were Canadian.
Delta Air Lines issued a statement expressing its focus on supporting those affected. “Our primary focus is taking care of those impacted,” the airline said. Delta CEO Ed Bastian added, “The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected by today’s incident at Toronto-Pearson International Airport. I want to express my thanks to the many Delta and Endeavor team members and the first responders on site.”
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Toronto Airport Fire Chief Todd Aitken noted that the runway was dry and there were no crosswind conditions at the time of the incident. However, the region was experiencing blowing snow and strong wind gusts, with ground winds reaching 40 mph and even stronger gusts at higher altitudes. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is leading the investigation, with assistance from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy offered his support, stating on social media, “I’ve been in touch with my counterpart in Canada to offer assistance and help with the investigation.”
The crash occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. ET, prompting the temporary suspension of flights at Toronto Pearson. Operations resumed by 5 p.m. ET, though two runways remained closed, potentially impacting airport operations.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow expressed relief at the outcome, writing on social media, “I’m relieved to learn that all passengers and crew are accounted for after today’s plane crash at Toronto Pearson. Thank you to the first responders, crew, and airport staff for their quick actions and commitment to keeping everyone safe.” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also acknowledged the efforts of first responders, stating, “Grateful to the first responders and professionals on the scene.”
Source:NKONKONSA.com
