A Delta Air Lines plane carrying 80 people crashed at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport on Monday, leaving at least 18 individuals injured but no fatalities. The incident, involving Endeavour Air Flight 4819, occurred as the plane flipped upside down while attempting to land. It was a flight from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and had 76 passengers and 4 crew members on board.
Cause of the Crash Under Investigation
Officials have yet to provide an explanation for the crash, and investigations are ongoing. Todd Aitken, fire chief at Toronto airport, confirmed that the runway was dry and no crosswinds were reported at the time of the accident. The plane ended up overturned, with its wings clipped, but no further details on the cause have been provided.
“It’s very early on. It’s really important that we do not speculate,” Aitken said during a press conference.
Injuries Reported, But No Deaths
Paramedics reported three critical injuries: a child, a man in his 60s, and a woman in her 40s. All injured passengers, including those with minor injuries, were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals by ambulance or helicopter.
Dramatic images and videos shared on social media captured the chaotic scene, showing passengers emerging from the overturned plane, shielding themselves from gusty winds and heavy snow. Emergency responders worked quickly to secure the scene, spraying water on the aircraft to extinguish smoke emanating from its fuselage.
Airport Operations Disrupted
The incident led to the temporary suspension of all flights at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. Operations resumed after a two-hour delay, around 5:00 pm local time, with passengers warned of significant delays due to the aftermath of the crash. The airport emphasized that no other planes were involved in the accident.
Deborah Flint, CEO of the Toronto airport authority, praised emergency crews for their rapid response, noting that many passengers had already been reunited with their families by the time of her announcement.
Eyewitness Account
One passenger on the flight, John Nelson, shared a video on social media, showing the overturned plane on the tarmac and confirming the crash. “Our plane crashed. It’s upside down,” he said, adding that most passengers appeared to be okay and were safely evacuating.
Delta Responds to Incident
Delta Air Lines, which operates Endeavor Air, confirmed that Flight 4819 was involved in an accident. The airline stated that initial reports showed there were no fatalities and expressed support for those affected by the incident.
“We are deeply concerned about today’s incident at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Our thoughts are with all those involved,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian in a statement.
Snowstorm and Severe Weather Contributing Factors
The crash took place in the aftermath of a massive snowstorm that affected eastern Canada on Sunday. Although snow had stopped falling, strong winds and frigid temperatures continued to impact the region. Toronto’s airport had warned of high winds and busy travel conditions, with more than 130,000 travelers expected throughout the day.
Investigation and Recovery
Canada’s Transportation Safety Board (TSB) deployed a team of investigators to examine the crash site, with assistance from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This incident comes amid a series of recent high-profile aviation accidents in North America, including a mid-air collision in Washington and a medical plane crash in Philadelphia.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is expected to take time, as authorities work to gather all relevant information. In the meantime, the affected families are being supported as emergency services continue to handle the aftermath of this unsettling event.