On February 17, 2025, an unsettling incident occurred at Toronto Pearson International Airport, when a Delta flight crash-landed, leaving passengers and crew members in a state of shock.
Fortunately, despite the terrifying ordeal, all 80 people on board survived.
As investigators continue to gather information, the cause of the crash and the condition of the runway are under intense scrutiny.
The Crash and Initial Findings
The plane involved was a Bombardier CR900, operated by Endeavor Air, and it had flown in from Minneapolis. It landed upside down just before 3 p.m. on that Monday afternoon.
While early reports indicated harsh winds and potentially hazardous runway conditions, investigators have clarified that there were no crosswinds, and the runway was dry at the time of the crash.
This conflicts with the testimony of at least one passenger, John Nelson, who described gusty winds and snow-covered runways prior to the crash.
Miraculously, all passengers survived, though some were injured.
Videos from the scene show passengers climbing out of the plane onto the icy tarmac, guided by a calm and composed flight attendant.
The incident raised concerns and questions, especially regarding the initial public response by officials.
Passenger Accounts: Chaos in the Aftermath
John Nelson, a passenger on board, vividly recalled the moment of impact.
“When we hit, it was super hard. The plane went sideways, skidded, and then flipped over onto its back.”
He also noticed a large fireball on the left side of the plane after it came to a stop.
According to Nelson, the conditions on the runway were less than ideal, with visible snow on the ground, but no one expected such a violent crash.
Despite the chaos, he expressed relief that everyone made it out unharmed.
Another passenger, Pete Koukov, described a disorienting experience.
“We were hanging like bats,” he said, recalling how the plane flipped upside down.
Koukov was grateful to be able to walk away from the crash and was even able to hug a stranger sitting next to him, both feeling fortunate to have survived.
Some passengers, however, needed more assistance to evacuate, and the flight attendants played a crucial role in ensuring their safety.
Emergency Response and Public Reactions
As emergency crews rushed to the scene, passengers were already evacuating, with many walking on the frozen tarmac after the plane had flipped.
The fire chief overseeing the response to the crash emphasized that the investigation was still in its early stages.
While he confirmed that the runway was dry and no crosswinds were reported, he urged the public to refrain from speculating about the cause of the crash.
Meanwhile, the media’s attempts to seek more information were met with frustration, as officials left the press conference without answering key questions.
Authorities Investigate and Provide Updates
In response to the incident, Canadian authorities confirmed that no fatalities occurred, though 18 people were injured, including two adults and a child in critical condition.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has joined the investigation alongside Canadian officials to determine the cause of the crash, and a full inquiry is underway.
Delta Air Lines and Endeavor Air have also issued statements of support for the passengers and crew, offering assistance to those affected.
Meanwhile, delays and cancellations ripple through the airport, with dozens of flights affected as a result of the crash and the ongoing investigation.
Passengers on flights bound for Toronto were rerouted to other airports, including Ottawa, as the situation unfolded.
A Community’s Relief and Continued Scrutiny
While the crash was harrowing, the swift and organized response from the crew and first responders likely saved many lives.
Passengers have been commended for their resilience, and the flight attendants’ professionalism during the crisis has received widespread praise.
As authorities continue to investigate, the aviation community and the public are eagerly awaiting more answers regarding this terrifying event.
The crash serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and risks that come with air travel, and the importance of having highly trained professionals ready to respond in emergencies.
As we wait for more details to emerge, the survivors’ stories offer a sense of hope amid the tragedy, showcasing the strength and solidarity that emerged during a frightening ordeal.
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