In a string of recent air incidents in North America, Delta Air Lines has announced a compensation offer of US$30,000 for each passenger on the flight that crash-landed in Toronto. This incident marks the fourth major air mishap in the region over three weeks, stirring concern among aviation experts and authorities. On Wednesday, Delta's flight from Minneapolis skidded along the runway in flames before coming to a halt upside down. Despite the dramatic crash, all 21 hospitalised passengers were released by Wednesday morning, except for one.
The crash in Toronto follows a tragic collision in Arizona, where two small planes collided last week, resulting in two fatalities. Experts who reviewed footage of the Toronto incident have suggested several potential causes to the BBC, including harsh winter weather and a rapid rate of descent. However, US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy emphasized that there is no discernible pattern linking these events, noting that each incident is "very unique."
Delta's chief, Ed Bastian, praised the flight crew's heroic actions during the crash, asserting that their response was both expected and exemplary. The crew was well-trained to handle any condition, reinforcing Delta's commitment to safety. The aircraft carried 76 passengers and four crew members at the time of the accident.
The investigation into the Toronto crash is being spearheaded by Canada's Transportation Safety Board (TSB), with support from US officials. This collaborative effort aims to uncover the exact cause of the crash and prevent future occurrences.
Experts continue to examine various theories behind the incident. The harsh winter conditions, which can affect visibility and aircraft handling, and the aircraft's rapid descent rate are among the possibilities being explored. Investigators are meticulously analyzing flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and eyewitness accounts to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the crash.