Staff Reports
A Delta Airlines flight from Minneapolis to Toronto narrowly avoided catastrophe on Monday when it crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport, flipping upside down and catching fire on the runway. Miraculously, all 80 passengers and crew aboard the CRJ-900 regional jet survived, though 21 people sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious. The dramatic incident has left investigators scrambling to determine how a routine landing turned into a harrowing ordeal.
The crash occurred during blustery conditions, with wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph and recent snowfall contributing to reduced visibility. Video footage captured the plane landing hard on the runway, shearing off its right wing before skidding, overturning, and igniting in flames. Passengers described the terrifying experience of being suspended upside down in their seats before evacuating onto the snow-covered tarmac. Emergency crews responded swiftly, extinguishing the fire and assisting passengers in evacuating the overturned aircraft.
Initial investigations suggest that weather conditions, including turbulence and gusty winds, may have played a role in the crash. However, aviation experts are also examining other factors, such as potential mechanical failures or human error. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is leading the investigation with assistance from U.S. agencies like the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Experts have praised the quick actions of the flight crew and emergency responders for preventing a loss of life.
Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian expressed gratitude for the survival of all passengers and crew, emphasizing that the airline’s priority is supporting those affected by the crash. While most of the injured have been released from hospitals, two individuals remain hospitalized as of Tuesday. The airline has pledged full cooperation with investigators to determine what went wrong.
This incident marks one of several recent aviation scares in North America and raises renewed concerns about winter weather challenges in air travel. While modern aircraft like the CRJ-900 are designed to withstand difficult conditions, this crash underscores the unpredictable nature of flying during severe weather. As investigators work to piece together what caused this near-tragedy, passengers and crew alike are left counting their blessings after what many are calling a miraculous escape.
