A Delta flight crash landed at Toronto's Pearson airport, resulting in a dramatic evacuation that saved the lives of all 80 passengers on board. The Bombardier CRJ900 jet, operated by Delta subsidiary Endeavor Air, departed from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and met its fateful end around 2:45 pm local time. The plane skidded along the runway before flipping over, with its wing torn off and tail engulfed in flames. Despite the chaos, the crew's swift actions ensured the safety of every person aboard.
The CEO of Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Deborah Flint, commended the crew's bravery, stating:
"The crew on Delta flight 4819 heroically led passengers to safety, evacuating a jet that had overturned on the runway on landing amid smoke and fire." – Deborah Flint
The crash occurred as Pearson airport was already grappling with a backlog of delayed and canceled flights due to a severe snowstorm that had hit the city on Sunday. As emergency services rushed to the scene, they discovered 21 people needed hospital treatment, including three who were in critical condition. Among these, two adults were airlifted to a nearby trauma center, while a child was transported by ambulance to a downtown Toronto hospital. Fortunately, 19 individuals have since been released from medical care.
Eyewitnesses captured footage of the fiery crash, adding more urgency to the investigation into its cause. Todd Aitken, an official involved in the inquiry, cautioned against premature conclusions:
"It’s very early on. It’s really important that we do not speculate. What we can say is the runway was dry and there was no crosswind conditions." – Todd Aitken
Amidst the panic and distress, an emotional message from passenger Peter Carlson emerged:
"I love you, and I love our kids" – Peter Carlson
This sentiment underscores the harrowing experience faced by those on board. As the investigation continues, authorities aim to establish what led to the crash and implement measures to prevent future incidents.