Delta Jet Overturns in Toronto Crash, 17 Injured

Toronto: 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 in critical condition, but there were no fatalities.

The aircraft, operated by Delta’s subsidiary Endeavor Air, was identified as Flight 4819. It was arriving from Minneapolis, Minnesota, when the accident occurred. The plane, a CRJ-900, had 76 passengers and four crew members onboard.

Paramedics reported that among the critically injured were a child, a man in his 60s, and a woman in her 40s. Delta later stated that a total of 18 people suffered injuries. Emergency medical teams transported all the wounded to local hospitals via ambulance and helicopter.

Cause of the Crash Remains Unknown

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the crash or explain how the aircraft ended up overturned with its wings damaged.

Dramatic footage aired on local news channels and circulated on social media showed passengers emerging from the wreckage amid strong winds and blowing snow. Some appeared disoriented as they shielded their faces from the harsh weather conditions. Fire crews were seen spraying water on the fuselage, with smoke billowing from the aircraft even as passengers continued to evacuate.

Toronto Airport Authority CEO Deborah Flint stated at a press conference that no other aircraft were involved in the incident. She praised the emergency response teams for their swift action, noting that they arrived at the scene within minutes and efficiently evacuated the passengers.

“Some passengers have already been reunited with their families,” Flint added.

Flights Temporarily Suspended

Following the crash, all flights at Toronto Pearson Airport were temporarily halted, leading to significant delays. Operations resumed at around 5:00 p.m. local time, approximately two hours after the incident. Passengers were advised to expect ongoing disruptions.

Passenger Accounts and Airline Response

One passenger, John Nelson, shared a video from the tarmac showing the overturned aircraft. “Our plane crashed. It’s upside down,” he narrated in the clip. “Most people appear to be okay. We’re all getting off.”

Delta Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement, expressing relief that there were no fatalities.

“The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected by today’s incident at Toronto Pearson International Airport,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian.

Harsh Weather Conditions in Toronto

The crash occurred amid severe weather conditions in eastern Canada. A massive snowstorm had battered the region on Sunday, and by Monday, Toronto was still experiencing strong winds and freezing temperatures.

The airport had warned earlier in the day of challenging weather, stating, “The snow has stopped coming down, but frigid temperatures and high winds are moving in.” The airport had anticipated a busy day, with over 130,000 travelers scheduled across 1,000 flights.

Investigation Underway

Federal Transport Minister Anita Anand confirmed that all 80 people on board had been accounted for and said she was “closely following the serious incident at Pearson Airport involving Delta Airlines Flight 4819 from Minneapolis.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also responded, saying he was “relieved there are no casualties after the incident.”

Canada’s Transportation Safety Board has dispatched a team of investigators to examine the crash site. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also assisting in the investigation, according to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy.

Recent Air Incidents in North America

This crash follows a series of recent air incidents in North America. In Washington, a U.S. Army helicopter collided mid-air with a passenger jet, resulting in 67 deaths. Additionally, a medical transport plane crash in Philadelphia recently claimed seven lives.

Authorities are now working to determine the factors behind the Toronto crash, ensuring that necessary measures are taken to prevent future accidents.