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A Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis to Toronto crashed and flipped upside down while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday afternoon. Officials confirmed that all 76 passengers and four crew members survived the accident. However, 18 people were injured, including some critically.
What Happened?
The Delta plane crash occurred after a weekend of heavy snowfall that caused delays and cancellations at the airport. The aircraft, identified as Flight 4819, was operated by Delta’s subsidiary, Endeavor Air. The incident led to the suspension of flights on two runways while an investigation began.
Quick Response by First Responders
Deborah Flint, CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), praised the quick action of first responders. Emergency personnel and airport staff helped passengers safely evacuate and provided medical care to the injured.
Number of Injured Passengers
Initially, the number of injured passengers varied in reports. Authorities later confirmed that 17 passengers were taken to hospitals immediately, and one more was transported later, making it a total of 18 injured people.
Ornge, Ontario’s air ambulance service, reported that a child and two other critically injured passengers were transported to Toronto hospitals. However, Flint could not confirm how many were critically hurt.
Passenger’s Terrifying Experience
Peter Carlson, a passenger traveling to Toronto for a paramedics conference, described the Delta plane crash as a “forceful event.”
"The next thing I knew, I was upside down and still strapped in," Carlson said. He added that passengers helped each other to evacuate the aircraft.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are now investigating the cause of the Delta plane crash. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are working together to determine the reason behind the crash.
Initial reports indicated that runway conditions were dry, but there were conflicting reports about the presence of crosswinds. Some experts also pointed out that snowfall over the weekend may have affected landing conditions.
Impact on Airport Operations
Due to the crash, flights at Pearson Airport were temporarily suspended, causing further delays for travelers. More than 1,000 flights were expected on Monday, with over 130,000 passengers passing through the airport.
Official Reactions
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow expressed relief that all passengers survived. Other political leaders, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford, also shared messages of support for those affected by the Delta plane crash.
Federal Transport Minister Anita Anand advised travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as many flights were diverted due to the accident.
Passengers Stranded at the Airport
While the focus remained on the Delta plane crash, many travelers at Pearson Airport were left stranded due to cancellations and delays. Barb Fraser, a passenger heading to Vancouver, described the chaotic situation at the airport, with unclaimed luggage scattered across terminals.
No Lives Lost
Despite the severity of the Delta plane crash, no lives were lost, which was a huge relief for everyone. The quick response by airport authorities, emergency teams, and passengers played a significant role in ensuring everyone's safety. Investigations will continue to determine what led to this terrifying incident.
