Just yesterday, a Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport, flipping upside down and catching fire. Thankfully, all 80 passengers survived, but 18 were injured.
Newly surfaced footage captures the intense moment the plane slid, flipped, and burst into flames.
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New footage shows the terrifying crash and aftermath
Fresh clips show the plane sliding before a wing snaps off and flames engulf the tail. Phone footage captures passengers escaping from the upside-down aircraft into the snow, with fire retardant filling the air and panicked voices swearing through the chaos.
Shocking audio captures chaos from air traffic control
Air traffic control audio records someone urgently reporting: “It’s upside down and burning,” as thick smoke billows and people scramble to safety.
Passengers recount the horrifying moment
Passenger Peter Carlson told the Toronto Star that the impact felt like “hitting a wall.” After realizing he was okay, he unbuckled, dropped to the floor, and texted his wife: “I love you, and I love our kids” before helping others evacuate.
Peter Koukov was also one of the 76 passengers who made it out safely after the plane burst into flames. He told the network he “didn’t know anything was the matter” until it suddenly felt like the plane tipped sideways.
“When we stopped,” Koukov said, “we were upside down hanging like bats.” He managed to get on his feet after unbuckling but added that some passengers needed help getting down from their seats.
Eighteen people were injured, some in critical condition
Eighteen people were hurt, with 21 taken to the hospital — three in a critical condition. Two adults were airlifted to a trauma center, and a child was transported to a downtown hospital.
By Tuesday, Delta announced 19 patients had been discharged.
Experts and officials weigh in on the cause
The cause remains unclear. Fire chief Todd Aitken stressed, “It’s too early for guesses,” noting that the runway was dry and there were no crosswinds.
The crash added to airport delays after a major snowstorm
The crash worsened delays at the already overwhelmed airport, still recovering from Sunday’s snowstorm. By Tuesday, two of the five runways remained closed.
Airline and authorities respond to the incident
The US Federal Aviation Authority confirmed all passengers were evacuated safely. Delta stated on social media that 19 passengers had been discharged. Investigations are ongoing.
