Delta plane crashes and flips over during landing at Toronto airport from Minneapolis. CBS News
A Delta Air Lines jet flipped upside down while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday. The crash injured 18 people out of the 80 on board. Officials confirmed that all passengers and crew were accounted for.
The flight, arriving from Minneapolis, crashed at around 2:45 p.m. local time. Emergency teams rushed to the scene, and the airport shut down operations for over two hours. Flights were delayed even after reopening.
Emergency Response and Injuries
Todd Aitken, Toronto Pearson’s fire chief, confirmed that 18 people were taken to hospitals. Earlier, the airport CEO, Deborah Flint, reported 17 injuries.
“We now confirm that 18 passengers have been transported to hospitals,” Aitken said. “One more passenger was recently taken in for treatment.”
Among the injured, two adults were flown to trauma centers, while a child was taken to a children’s hospital. Others had minor to moderate injuries.
Weather and Runway Conditions
Toronto Pearson was dealing with high winds and freezing temperatures after a heavy snowstorm over the weekend. However, Aitken stated that the runway was dry, and there was no crosswind when the crash happened.
Investigation Underway
Canada’s Transportation Safety Board (TSB) is leading the investigation. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also sending a team to assist.
“The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence,” the agency said in a statement.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed communication with Canadian officials and offered support for the investigation.
Delta’s Response
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed concern for those affected.
“The entire Delta family’s hearts are with those involved,” Bastian said. “We are working to confirm details and will share updates as soon as possible.”
Endeavor Air, a regional subsidiary of Delta, operated the flight.
Airport Delays and Passenger Reactions
Flights were delayed as two runways remained closed for investigation. Passengers inside the airport reported a tense atmosphere.
Zach Nolan, who was waiting for his Air Canada flight, said, “I looked out the window and saw a plane upside down.” He described seeing red lights flashing on the runway and hearing anxious chatter among travelers.
His flight was canceled after multiple delays. Air Canada rebooked him for the next day.
“If I had to sum it up in one word, I’d say uncertainty,” Nolan said.
Safety Experts Weigh In
Experts believe aircraft design helped prevent more serious injuries.
“Planes are engineered to withstand flips,” aviation professor Mike McCormick said. “Seats can absorb impact, and seatbelts keep passengers secure.”
Recent Aviation Incidents
This crash follows several major aviation accidents in North America this year.
In January, an Army helicopter collided with a jet near Washington, D.C., killing 67 people. Days later, a medical jet crashed in Philadelphia, killing seven. Earlier this month, a small plane crash in Alaska claimed ten lives.
