All 80 passengers aboard a Delta Air Lines flight that crash-landed and flipped on its back at Toronto Pearson Airport have survived the incident. The flight, arriving from Minneapolis, skidded down the runway with visible flames before coming to rest upside down. Although 18 passengers have received medical attention, only a few are reported to have serious injuries. The Canadian Transportation Safety Board (TSB) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, amid conflicting reports on weather conditions at the time.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that survivors were initially suspended in their seats as the aircraft flipped, forcing them to escape onto the snow-covered tarmac. Video footage shared on social media captured the chaotic scene, as fire crews responded to the emergency by extinguishing flames with foam.
Despite reports of high wind gusts, Toronto Pearson Fire Chief Todd Aitken stated that the runway was dry and there were no crosswinds at the time of the accident. The incident led to the closure of the airport as officials began an investigation. Arrivals and departures resumed later in the day, though significant delays and cancellations were still affecting travelers.
The crash coincided with ongoing weather-related disruptions at the airport, where heavy snowfall recently caused considerable challenges. Toronto has experienced up to 50 centimeters of snow from recent storms, contributing to adverse conditions.
As authorities work to understand what went wrong, the resilience shown by passengers and crew during this harrowing experience serves as a testament to the importance of safety measures in aviation. While the situation is concerning, it is hopeful that thorough investigations will lead to improved safeguards for future flights.