A Delta Air Lines plane flipped upside down while landing amid wintry conditions at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday, leaving at least 18 people injured. The accident occurred at 1:15 p.m. CST and involved Flight 4819, which had departed from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Emergency Response and Injuries Reported
Authorities confirm that 80 people were aboard the flight, including four crew members and 76 passengers. Among them were 22 Canadian nationals, while the rest were from various countries.
Injuries Breakdown:
- 17 passengers were transported to local hospitals.
- Two adults and one child were initially in critical condition.
- A pediatric patient at The Hospital for Sick Children is now stable.
- A woman in her 40s and a man in his 60s were airlifted to a trauma center.
According to Toronto Pearson Airport CEO Deborah Flint, emergency responders reached the scene within minutes and executed a rapid evacuation.
“Airport emergency workers mounted a textbook response, reaching the site within minutes and quickly evacuating the passengers.” – Deborah Flint, CEO of Toronto Pearson International Airport
What Caused the Crash? Investigation Underway
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Initial Findings:
- The runway was dry, with no crosswinds at the time of the crash.
- Weather reports indicate blowing snow, reduced visibility (6 miles), and winds up to 37 mph.
- The temperature at the time was 17°F (-8°C).
The flight was operated by Endeavor Air, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Airport Closures and Flight Disruptions
- Two runways at Toronto Pearson International Airport will remain closed for at least part of Tuesday.
- Delta Air Lines canceled all remaining Monday flights at Pearson Airport.
- Travelers should expect delays and schedule changes.
“The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected by today’s incident.” – Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines
Officials React as Investigation Continues
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed relief that there were no casualties, stating that provincial officials are in contact with airport and local authorities to provide any necessary assistance.
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA confirmed that there were no fatalities and urged people not to speculate as investigations unfold.
This accident comes just weeks after a series of deadly aviation incidents, including:
- A mid-air collision between an American Airlines plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter at Reagan National Airport (Washington, D.C.), where everyone on board perished.
- A Leer medical jet crash in a Philadelphia neighborhood, killing seven people, including one person on the ground.
