Passengers aboard a Delta Airlines jet experienced a harrowing incident on Monday when their flight, operated by Endeavor Air, crashed upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The aircraft, arriving from Minneapolis-St. Paul, skidded off the runway, caught fire, and flipped over, leaving all 80 individuals on board dangling upside down. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, and most passengers were able to exit the plane on their own, although some required assistance.
In the aftermath of the incident, Delta Airlines has offered each passenger $30,000 as compensation, a gesture the airline stated comes with "no strings attached" and does not interfere with their rights. This move aims to address the distress caused by the crash while investigations into the event continue.
Eyewitness accounts reveal the chaos that unfolded during the landing. Passengers described the moment of impact as sudden and disorienting. Pete Koukov, who was seated by the window, recalled how quickly the situation escalated: "The wheels touched down… and then all of a sudden, I just remember being fully sideways." He noted seeing sparks and flames as the plane skidded along the runway. Another passenger, John Nelson, echoed this sentiment, stating, "We hit the ground, and we were sideways, and then we were upside down."
While many passengers managed to evacuate without serious injuries, several were taken to hospitals for evaluation. The quick response of the flight attendants was praised, as they facilitated an organized evacuation, ensuring that everyone exited safely despite the disarray.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but it follows a tragic incident in January where 67 individuals lost their lives in a mid-air collision in Washington, D.C. This recent event has raised concerns about aviation safety and the potential for similar accidents.
As the investigation unfolds, Delta Airlines has expressed its commitment to supporting the affected passengers. CEO Ed Bastian stated, "The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected." The airline continues to work with authorities to determine the factors that led to this alarming incident and to ensure the safety of its operations moving forward.