“We are incredibly relieved that there were no fatalities and that injuries sustained were relatively minor,” stated Deborah Flint, CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority.
Details of the Incident
The aircraft involved, a Delta Air Lines Flight 4819 operated by Endeavor Air, was arriving from Minneapolis when the crash occurred at approximately 2:15 PM Eastern Time (19:15 GMT) on Monday.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, assisting passengers as they evacuated the overturned plane, which had landed on a snow-covered tarmac. Images shared online reveal the aircraft lying on its roof, appearing to be missing at least one of its wings.
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Injuries and Emergency Response
According to emergency medical teams, 18 passengers were transported to hospitals, including a child, a man in his 60s, and a woman in her 40s who sustained critical injuries.
Ontario’s air ambulance service, Ornge, dispatched multiple helicopters and ground ambulances to assist in the rescue operation.
“The response by emergency teams was textbook,” said Flint. “Their swift actions ensured no loss of life.”
Flight Disruptions and Investigations
The airport temporarily suspended operations following the accident, but flights resumed around 5:00 PM local time. However, two runways remain closed as investigators from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) assess the situation.
Passengers have been warned of potential delays in the coming days as authorities continue their investigations.
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Weather Conditions and Conflicting Reports
Initial reports suggested wind gusts exceeding 40 mph (64 km/h) contributed to the accident, but Toronto Pearson’s fire chief, Todd Aitken, later stated that the runway was dry and there were no significant crosswind conditions.
At the time of the crash, light snow was falling, adding to an already weather-challenged week at Toronto Pearson. Recent storms had blanketed the region with 30-50 cm (11.8-19.6 inches) of snow, causing significant travel disruptions.
Eyewitness Accounts and Passenger Experience
Videos circulating on social media show passengers escaping from the overturned aircraft, assisted by airport personnel. Some individuals were seen running away from the wreckage as fire crews doused the plane with foam.
One passenger, filming from the site, remarked, “We just landed in Toronto. Our plane crashed—it’s upside down. Most people seem okay, and we are being evacuated.”
Reactions from Officials
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed support for those affected, stating that provincial authorities were in communication with airport officials and would provide any necessary assistance.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also extended gratitude to first responders for their swift actions in ensuring passenger safety.
Ongoing Travel Disruptions
The aftermath of the incident led to widespread travel chaos, with multiple flights canceled or delayed. Many passengers found themselves stranded in Toronto for days due to a lack of available flights.
James and Andrea Turner, who were waiting at customs for their flight, were among those affected. “They evacuated us from customs, then moved everyone to the general area. The departures hall was packed,” James explained. The couple was originally booked on the crashed flight, which had already been delayed twice due to adverse weather.
