A Delta flight crashed while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday, resulting in multiple injuries and a temporary halt to flights. The plane, which was carrying 80 people, including 76 passengers and four crew members, was seen upside-down on the snow-covered ground after the incident. At least 18 people were taken to area hospitals, with three suffering critical injuries, including one child, a man in his 60s, and a woman in her 40s. The child was transported to the Hospital for Sick Children and is listed in good condition, while the other two critically injured individuals were airlifted to nearby trauma centers.
The cause of the crash is still unknown, but an investigation is already underway, led by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, with assistance from the US Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. The incident occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. ET on Monday, during blowing snow and strong wind gusts in the region, with winds reaching 40 mph on the ground and even stronger several hundred feet in the air. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the airport's fire chief, Todd Aitken, stated that the runway was dry and there were no crosswind conditions at the time of the crash. The investigation will focus on determining the cause of the crash, with officials working to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
The Toronto Airport temporarily stopped flights in the wake of the crash, with departures and arrivals resuming as of 5 p.m. ET on Monday. Two runways remain closed, which may impact operations, according to Toronto Pearson President and CEO Deborah Flint. The airport's emergency response team, including first responders and medical personnel, were quickly deployed to the scene, with multiple ambulances and helicopters dispatched to transport the injured to nearby hospitals. The emergency response was praised by officials, with Flint commending the heroic and trained professionals who responded to the incident. The safety of all passengers and crew members is the top priority, with officials working to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Passengers on board the flight described the incident as a sudden and forceful event, with one passenger, John Nelson, stating that the plane hit the ground and then flipped upside down. Another passenger, Steve Carlson, described the scene as chaotic, but praised the passengers for coming together to support each other. The incident has sparked an outpouring of support from officials and the public, with many expressing relief that there were no fatalities. The incident is a reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the need for continued vigilance and investment in safety measures to prevent such incidents from occurring.
The incident has also raised questions about the impact of weather conditions on flight safety, with some experts suggesting that the strong winds and blowing snow may have contributed to the crash. The investigation will examine all possible factors, including weather conditions, pilot error, and mechanical issues, to determine the cause of the crash. In the meantime, officials are working to support the passengers and crew members affected by the incident, with counseling and other services being provided to those in need. The list of key events and responses to the incident includes:
* 2:15 p.m. ET: The Delta flight crashes while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport
* 2:15 p.m. ET: Emergency responders are dispatched to the scene
* 5 p.m. ET: Flights resume at the airport, with two runways remaining closed
* Monday evening: The Transportation Safety Board of Canada launches an investigation into the incident
* Tuesday: Officials continue to investigate the cause of the crash, with a focus on determining the root cause of the incident.