NEW DELHI: On February 17, 2025, a Delta Airlines Bombardier CRJ900, operated by Endeavor Air, crash-landed and flipped upside down on the snow-covered runway at Toronto Pearson International Airport, injuring 18 of the 80 passengers on board.
Crash Details
The crash occurred around 2:15 PM local time, with the plane arriving from Minneapolis. Emergency crews quickly responded, evacuating all passengers and crew members.
Despite the chaos, there were no fatalities. Authorities revealed that the runway was dry and there were no crosswinds at the time of the crash.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation by Canada’s Transportation Safety Board. At the time of the crash, strong gusts of wind were blowing through the airport, creating challenging conditions for the landing.
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Survivor Accounts
Passenger Jason Yin described the scene: “I was shocked to see the plane upside down. The fire department was quick to respond, and most people were able to get off the plane safely.”
Passenger Pete Carlson recounted the experience: “Everything just kind of went sideways. One minute you’re landing, and the next minute you’re physically upside down. It’s really amazing that I’m alive.”
Passenger Nikolai Koukov expressed his gratitude for the swift response: “We were all terrified, but the crew and emergency responders were incredible. Their quick actions saved lives today. We were hanging down like bats, and it was a surreal experience.”
Another passenger, Sarah Nelson, shared her thoughts: “It was a harrowing experience, but seeing everyone work together to ensure our safety was reassuring. I’m just thankful to be safe.”
Cause of the Crash
The crash was likely caused by a combination of strong winds and snowy conditions. Toronto experienced a snowstorm over the weekend, which left the runway covered in snow. At the time of the crash, strong gusts of wind were blowing through the airport, creating challenging conditions for the landing.
Statements from Authorities
Toronto Pearson President and CEO Deborah Flint stated, “All 76 passengers and four crew members were accounted for, and most injuries were minor.”
Constable Sarah Patten of the Peel Regional Police said, “We are still investigating the circumstances of the crash, but thankfully, most passengers are unharmed.”
Fire Chief Todd Aitken added, “The response from our team was swift and effective. We’re relieved that there were no fatalities and that most injuries were minor.”
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed his gratitude: “The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected by today’s incident at Toronto-Pearson International Airport. We are working to confirm the details and will share the most current information as soon as it becomes available.”
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Emergency Preparedness
Emergency response teams, including firefighters and paramedics, arrived swiftly, evacuating and providing medical care to the passengers. Eighteen passengers sustained injuries, with three in critical condition, but no fatalities were reported.
Airports maintain comprehensive emergency response plans and regularly conduct training and drills. They are equipped with firefighting vehicles, medical supplies, and necessary resources. Effective communication between the flight crew, air traffic control, and emergency responders ensures a coordinated response.
Despite the harrowing nature of the accident, the swift response and preparedness of the emergency teams helped ensure that there were no fatalities. Investigators will continue to work on determining the exact cause of the crash to prevent similar incidents in the future.
