Passenger plane flips on landing, three people critically injured

A Delta Air Lines flight crashed after landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, flipping upside down on the snow-covered tarmac. The incident left three people critically injured, including a child, while 15 others were hospitalized.

There were 76 passengers and four crew aboard Delta Air Lines flight 4819 at the time of the incident. One captured the aftermath on camera, saying, "We're in Toronto. We just landed. Our plane crashed. It's upside down." 

The aircraft, a 16-year-old Bombardier CRJ-900, was operated by Delta's subsidiary, Endeavour Air. Despite the severe nature of the crash, everyone onboard was evacuated safely.

Eyewitness accounts described the aircraft's brutal impact with the runway. Passenger Pete Carlson recounted, "One minute you're landing and kind of waiting to see your friends and your people, and the next minute you're physically upside down and just really turned around… It was just cement and metal."

Emergency responders, including Toronto Pearson's fire department and Canada's air ambulance services, swiftly arrived on the scene. According to emergency officials, three people sustained critical injuries, including a child, while several others were treated for minor injuries. Delta Air Lines later confirmed that some of the injured had already been released from the hospital.

Investigation and relief

Authorities are now focusing on what caused the crash. Fire Chief Todd Aitken emphasized the importance of waiting for official findings, stating, "This is an active investigation. It's very early on. It's really important that we do not speculate. What we can say is the runway was dry and there were no crosswind conditions."

However, conflicting reports have emerged about the weather at the time of the crash. Some aviation experts noted "gusting crosswinds and blowing snow," which may have played a role in the accident. Investigators are now examining the aircraft, runway conditions, and any potential mechanical failures.

While the crash was severe, aviation experts highlight that the survival of 80 people is significant. Previous similar incidents have resulted in multiple fatalities. The investigation will likely take weeks or even months, as experts analyze flight data, weather reports, and pilot actions leading up to the incident.

Meanwhile, operations at Toronto Pearson Airport have resumed, but passengers are advised to expect delays. Two runways remain closed as authorities continue their examination of the scene.