18 Injured as Delta Airlines Flight Crash-Lands in Toronto
A Delta Airlines flight crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday (February 17), leaving 18 people injured and three in critical condition.
Dramatic Footage Captures Plane Flipping Upside Down
Shocking footage circulating online shows Flight 4819 flipping upside down upon landing. The plane, which departed from Minneapolis, Minnesota, touched down in Toronto before the rear end erupted into flames and smoke. Despite the dramatic scene, all 80 people onboard (including 76 passengers and four crew members) evacuated safely, according to officials.
Passengers Transported to Hospital, Three Critically Injured
Emergency services transported 18 individuals to the hospital, with three listed in critical condition, as reported by medical transport company Ornge. The critically injured include a child, a woman in her 40s, and a man in his 60s. Their identities have not yet been released.
Social media has been buzzing with reactions to the footage, with one viewer calling it “one of the craziest things seen”, while another added, “That is insane! So glad everyone survived!”
FAA and Delta Airlines Respond to Incident
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading a team of U.S. investigators to assist Canada’s Transportation Safety Board in the probe.
Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian also released a statement, saying:
“The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected by today’s incident at Toronto-Pearson International Airport. I want to express my thanks to the many Delta and Endeavor team members and the first responders on site.”
Air Traffic Control Communications Before the Crash
A recording from LiveATC.net captured communications between the Delta Airlines pilots and air traffic control moments before the crash. The controller instructed Flight 4819 to turn right heading 210 and descend to 3,000 feet before clearing the aircraft for ILS 23 approach.
However, the controller also warned of strong winds, measuring 27 knots with gusts up to 33 knots. The flight was cleared to land on Runway 23, but the controller cautioned that it “may get a slight bump” due to an aircraft ahead.
Shortly after, the crash occurred, with an urgent message confirming the aircraft had crashed and that emergency services were needed. Investigators are now working to determine the exact cause of the accident.
