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Critical Injuries Reported After Plane Crash at Toronto Pearson Airport
In a serious incident at Toronto Pearson Airport in Canada, a plane has crashed and overturned during its landing approach, resulting in critical injuries to one child and two adults, as stated by emergency services. The aircraft, a Delta Air Lines flight arriving from Minneapolis, reportedly flipped over on the snow-covered tarmac, with images circulating on social media showing it lying on its roof and missing at least one wing.
According to Delta Air Lines, the flight involved had a total of 80 individuals on board, comprising 76 passengers and four crew members. The company confirmed that all passengers and crew members are accounted for. However, of the 18 people transported to hospitals, the critically injured individuals include a child, a man in his 60s, and a woman in her 40s.
The Ontario air ambulance service, Ornge, responded promptly, deploying three air ambulances and two ground ambulances to the scene. Toronto Pearson Airport’s president and CEO, Deborah Flint, praised the emergency response as “textbook,” attributing the lack of fatalities to the efficient actions of the first responders.
The aircraft involved was identified as Delta Air Lines Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, a subsidiary of Delta. The crash occurred around 14:15 ET (19:15 GMT) on Monday afternoon. Delta stated that its primary concern is ensuring the well-being of those affected.
Among the passengers on board, 22 were Canadian, while the remainder were from various other countries. Following the crash, the airport was temporarily closed, but operations resumed around 17:00 local time.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) announced that it would send a team to investigate the incident, working to gather information and evaluate what transpired. As part of the ongoing inquiry, two runways will be closed for several days, leading passengers to expect potential delays.
During a press briefing, Toronto Pearson’s fire chief, Todd Aitken, indicated that the investigation is in its early stages, affirming that the runway conditions were dry and contradicting earlier reports of strong crosswinds during the incident.
Footage shared on social media captures the chaotic scene of passengers evacuating the overturned plane, with emergency crews utilizing foam to extinguish potential fires. One passenger, documenting the aftermath, noted, “We’re in Toronto, we just landed. Our plane crashed, it’s upside down,” while others were seen being assisted by airport personnel and fleeing from the aircraft.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed that provincial officials are maintaining communication with the airport and local responders to provide necessary assistance. Similarly, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz extended gratitude towards the first responders and personnel on site.
In the immediate aftermath, the airport’s arrival and departure boards displayed numerous delays and cancellations in flight schedules. It emerged that many travelers faced extended waits, with some stranded in Toronto for several days due to their canceled flights.
James and Andrea Turner, who were located in customs just before the departure gates, recounted the sudden evacuation orders that led to increased congestion in the airport’s general area as all passengers were relocated back to the main terminal. The couple had intended to board the plane that ultimately crashed, marking yet another cancellation after previous delays linked to severe weather conditions.
Recent severe weather, including heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, has affected operations at Toronto Pearson Airport, with significant snow accumulation earlier in the week. Two substantial storms brought a combined total of 30-50 cm (11.8-19.6 inches) of snow to the area, complicating travel plans. Light snow was reported falling at the time of the crash, and the airport had previously warned travelers of impending frigid temperatures and high winds, anticipating a particularly busy day.
This incident marks the fourth significant aviation occurrence in North America within the last month, following a tragic mid-air collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter near Washington D.C., which resulted in the loss of all 67 lives on board.
Source
www.bbc.com