A Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis crashed, turned upside down, and caught fire on the runway at Toronto Pearson International Airport while attempting to land on Monday. The incident, involving a CRJ900 twin-jet aircraft, resulted in all 80 people on board surviving, although 21 individuals sustained injuries and were taken to hospitals for treatment.
Video footage captured the harrowing moment when the jet's rear landing gear buckled, and the right wing sheared away in a fireball upon impact with the runway. The plane skidded on its belly before rolling over, causing smoke and snow to shoot into the air.
Passenger John Nelson described the landing as extremely hard, with the plane going sideways upon impact. Despite the terrifying ordeal, all passengers and crew managed to evacuate the aircraft safely.
The wreckage of the plane was barely recognizable the following day, with the fuselage covered in snow and the wings damaged. This incident marks the latest in a series of air travel disasters in North America, including recent crashes in Alaska, Washington, DC, and Philadelphia.
Key Details of the Incident:
- All 80 passengers and crew survived the crash
- The flight, operated by Delta subsidiary Endeavor Air, departed from Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport
- The hard landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport left passengers hanging upside down inside the plane
- First responders and airport officials were praised for their swift and effective response to the emergency
- Paramedics treated various injuries, including back sprains, head lacerations, and nausea from jet fuel exposure
- Video analysis suggests a lack of the typical landing maneuver, known as a 'flare,' which could have slowed the plane down
Passengers recounted their experiences of the crash, with some describing the surreal moment when the plane flipped over, and others expressing gratitude for their survival. Despite the traumatic event, many passengers were relieved to have escaped with minor injuries and were thankful for the support of first responders and fellow travelers.
