A Delta flight from Minneapolis to Toronto crashed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday, leaving passengers and crew grappling with chaos in the aftermath. The CRJ900 aircraft, operated by Endeavor Air, was carrying 80 individuals when it flipped over upon landing shortly after 2 p.m. local time. Strong winds, gusting at approximately 38 mph, were identified as the primary cause of the crash, which resulted in a fiery explosion on the runway.
The incident left passengers hanging upside down in their seats as the plane tumbled. Among the injured was a child, who is currently in good condition at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. In total, 18 people sustained injuries, according to reports from the airline and Toronto Airport Fire Chief. The crash prompted an immediate shutdown of all five runways at Toronto Pearson International, resulting in over 200 flight cancellations by 4:15 p.m. local time.
The scene of the crash was described as harrowing by those on board.
"We were upside down, everybody else was there as well," said a passenger named Nelson.
He further described their immediate reaction:
"We tried to get out of there as quickly as possible."
As the plane erupted into flames upon impact, a helicopter pilot reported:
"Yeah, we’ve got it. The aircraft is upside down and burning."
Peter Carlson, another passenger on the flight, shared his initial feelings during the crisis.
"The absolute initial feeling is just need to get out of this."
Carlson went on to describe the remarkable camaraderie among passengers in the face of adversity:
"What I saw was everyone on that plane suddenly became very close, in terms of how to help one another, how to console one another."
Despite the chaos, there was a shared determination among those onboard:
"Who is leading? How do we find ourselves away from this?" Carlson recalled thinking amid the turmoil.
The crash left the aircraft with severe structural damage, including a missing wing and dark streaks of residue marking its body. In response to the incident, Toronto Pearson International temporarily closed all its runways, causing widespread delays and cancellations. Two runways remain shut for a thorough investigation by Canadian and American officials working together to determine the exact cause of the crash.
This collaboration between investigative bodies highlights the severity of the incident and underscores the commitment to uncovering all contributing factors. The probe will analyze various aspects, such as weather conditions, mechanical performance, and procedural adherence by both crew members and air traffic controllers during the plane's approach and landing.
The impact of the crash reverberated beyond immediate injuries and emergency responses. It disrupted airport operations significantly, affecting travelers nationwide and emphasizing the critical nature of airport safety protocols in adverse weather conditions. As flights were canceled and rerouted, passengers faced extended wait times and rescheduling challenges.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, deploying firefighting units to extinguish the flames and medical teams to assist injured passengers. Their rapid intervention played a crucial role in managing the aftermath and preventing further casualties. Witnesses described the swift action as vital in containing what could have escalated into an even more disastrous situation.
The incident has raised questions about safety measures and preparedness for extreme weather events at major international airports. Aviation experts emphasize the importance of continually assessing risks associated with landing in challenging conditions and ensuring robust communication between pilots and ground control teams.
