A flight from Minneapolis to Toronto ended in chaos on Monday when a regional jet overturned upon landing at Pearson International Airport, injuring 18 people amid challenging winter weather.
Authorities confirmed that three individuals, including a child, sustained critical injuries, while 15 others were taken to hospitals with varying conditions. The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ900 operated by Delta Air Lines’ Endeavor Air, carried 76 passengers and four crew members when it crashed near the intersection of two runways.
Passenger John Nelson, who captured footage of the wreckage, described the terrifying moment the plane suddenly flipped. ‘One moment we were landing, the next, we were upside down,’ he said. ‘People were hanging from their seats, trying to unbuckle and get out.’
Videos from the scene showed at least one wing separated from the fuselage as emergency responders worked swiftly to evacuate passengers. Fire crews sprayed the overturned aircraft while snow and wind continued to batter the airfield, as reported by ABC News.
@mrmerab Delta Airlines flight from Minneapolis crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Emergency crews responded immediately. All passengers and crew members are safe and accounted for. Authorities are now investigating the cause of the incident. #breakingnews #torontoairport #deltaairlines #crashlandingonyou #viralnews #trendingnow #fyp ♬ original sound – merab beridze
While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, aviation experts pointed to strong crosswinds and gusty conditions at the time of landing. Conflicting reports emerged about the state of the runway, with some pilots disputing official claims that wind was not a factor.
Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, officials credited advancements in aviation safety and the rapid response of emergency teams for preventing fatalities. ‘Surviving an accident like this speaks to the incredible engineering of modern aircraft,’ said aviation analyst Michael J. McCormick.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has launched an inquiry, with US investigators also assisting in the probe. Meanwhile, Pearson Airport warned of continued delays as two runways remain closed.
This crash follows a string of recent aviation incidents in North America, emphasising the challenges pilots face in extreme weather conditions.
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Picture: Katherine KY Cheng / Gallo Images
