No one was hurt when a small plane crash landed in Toronto’s east end on September 15. CP24
A small plane carrying three people crash landed Monday evening at Monarch Park Collegiate Institute in Toronto’s east end. The incident occurred at 8:20 p.m., just south of Danforth Avenue and west of Coxwell Avenue. Toronto Fire said paramedics at the scene detected the smell of fuel. The fire department’s hazmat team quickly contained the leak.
Toronto Police confirmed they were called at 8:17 p.m. to respond to the crash. No injuries were reported among the plane’s occupants or nearby civilians.
Fire Chief’s Statement
Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop spoke to reporters, describing the plane’s landing: “We found a small plane that crashed just shy of the soccer field, into the parking lot next to the grandstand. I am happy to report no injuries to the occupants or civilians. The scene is stable and the fuel leak has been mitigated. There is no risk to the public.”
The aircraft, believed to be a four-seater 140 Piper Cherokee (C-FXGC), came through a tree canopy before skidding into a fence about 50 feet from a soccer field where people were playing. Jessop said he had not yet spoken with the occupants, estimated to be in their 30s or 40s, and he did not know the plane’s origin or destination.
Rare Incident
Jessop described the event as extremely rare. “To see a plane crash land into the heart of the city on a high school property is something I haven’t seen in nearly 30 years of service. We are very fortunate there were no injuries.” He recalled a previous crash into Lake Ontario but said urban crash landings are far less common.
Investigation Underway
Transport Canada, responsible for aviation incidents, has been notified and will lead the investigation. Until investigators arrive, Toronto Fire and Police will maintain the scene and provide assistance as needed. The Toronto District School Board has been informed and will coordinate with Transport Canada for next steps. It remains unclear if classes will be affected.
Witness Accounts
Several witnesses described the crash. Kevin Alexander, near the park’s pickleball courts, saw the plane’s lights dip below the trees before the impact and noted others ran toward the scene.
Frank Leonardo, playing soccer nearby, said, “The whole field was being played on. Thank God no one was hurt.”
David, watching his children practice soccer at St. Patrick’s Catholic Secondary School, added, “We saw a plane really low, maybe 250 to 300 feet in the air. It went from the west side of the field to the east, then out of sight before we heard the crash. We saw three occupants near the plane, then the emergency crews arrived.”
Authorities confirmed that no injuries occurred, and emergency crews successfully managed the scene. The investigation into the cause of the crash will continue under Transport Canada supervision.
