A Delta Airlines flight experienced a serious incident upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, resulting in the plane flipping onto its roof. The flight, which had arrived from Minneapolis, was carrying 76 passengers and four crew members. A total of 19 individuals sustained injuries, with three reported to be in critical condition.
Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, where video footage captured the aircraft, a Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR, overturned on the snowy tarmac. The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m., coinciding with challenging weather conditions that included blowing snow and high wind gusts up to 40 mph. Initial reports indicated that all passengers and crew were accounted for, sparking relief amid the chaos.
The Ontario provincial government, led by Premier Doug Ford, expressed gratitude that there were no reported fatalities. Ford acknowledged the ongoing communication between provincial officials, the airport, and local authorities to ensure the safety and support of all affected individuals.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is leading the investigation into the cause of the incident, with support from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board. Aviation safety expert John Cox noted that while such occurrences are rare, the CRJ-900 is a proven aircraft model that has been adept at operating in tough weather conditions.
This incident underscores the critical importance of aviation safety protocols, particularly in adverse weather. Delta Airlines emphasized that caring for those affected is their primary focus during this time.
In light of recent aviation mishaps across North America, including fatal incidents in the past month, the industry’s ability to respond to such emergencies reinforces the commitment to safety and the resilience of both crew and passengers.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel, but with robust safety measures and protocols in place, the hope remains that similar occurrences can be managed effectively to minimize harm.