A Delta Airlines flight crashed and flipped onto a rooftop Monday afternoon in an attempt to land at Toronto Pearson International Airport, hurting several passengers.
Officials said all 80 people on the plane had been evacuated and at least 18 were taken to the hospital. Now, investigators are investigating the crash.
Here is what we know about a crash:
After crashing on Monday afternoon (Reuters)
what happened?
After taking off in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Flight 4819 crashed when it landed on a snow-covered runway in Toronto at around 3:30 p.m. Monday.
The jet of the bomber CRJ-900 was completely reversed on the runway.
CNN obtained audio from air traffic control between the controller and pilots flying nearby MEDEVAC.
“Medevac’s Lifeflight 1, you know, there are people walking around the planes there,” the controller said.
“Yes, we already know,” the Medevac pilot replied. “The plane is turned upside down and burns.”
The wreckage of Delta Air Lines Flight 4819. At least 15 passengers, including three injured passengers, have been taken to the hospital (AP)
Who was injured?
The Federal Aviation Administration said shortly after the crash that all 80 people were on board — 76 passengers and four crew members — were evacuated from the plane. Video footage shows passengers and crew climbing out of the emergency exit of the upside-down plane as smoke roars from the plane.
The Delta confirmed Monday night that 18 passengers were transported to nearby hospitals.
The service said two adults and one child were airlifted to the hospital. Meanwhile, medical transport company Ornge reported three people were seriously injured: a man in his 60s, a woman in his 40s and a child.
Their identities have not been released yet.
Commercial airline pilot Joshua Schirard told CNN that flight attendants will be praised to ensure everyone on board evacuated.
“The stewardess, and their level of training, can make everyone stand out.” “Everyone thinks they can only serve drinks and snacks there, and that’s definitely not the case. I’ll give you Ensure that they work hard to drive these people out and act as first responders on the scene to make sure everyone survives.”
How did this happen?
The exact cause of the crash is unclear and the Canadian Transport Safety Commission will lead the investigation.
“The NTSB is leading a team of U.S. investigators to assist the Canadian Transportation Safety Commission in investigating the incident with the Delta Airlines Bombardier CRJ900 at Toronto Pearson International Airport today,” the FAA said in a statement. “According to the ICAO Annex 13 International agreement, any information about the investigation will be released by the Transport Safety Commission of Canada.”
However, experts say the weather, especially wind speeds – may have played a role. According to a snowstorm in the area, it brought more than eight inches of snow this weekend, while Monday’s high temperatures were only 20f and winds reached a top speed of 38mph. The New York Times.
All 80 people on board evacuated from flight 4819 after crashing in Toronto on Monday afternoon (AP)
Schirard told CNN that the Bombardier CRJ-900 (the type of aircraft involved in the crash) was to withstand a 35-kilometer crossing. He said the crossbar hitting the plane at a 45-degree angle was only 23 or 24 knots.
Although within the limits of the plane, these winds may still work when combined with snow and ice on the runway, Schirard said.
“[The crosswind] Among those shown components. The pilot knew to come in. “He told CNN. “Now…it’s not easy to land.” ”
“When they came in, they tried to land in that off-road wind, and we paired the snow and ice with the ice and ice…if they ran into a solid piece of compressed snow, the ice on that runway, plus the ice on that track A strong cross-border that definitely loads them from the side of the runway,” he continued.
Mary Schiavo, former Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Transportation, agrees that wind may have played a role
“There is a decision point, anyway…if that’s what they get these bad cross winds, they have no choice,” she told CNN.
The combination of wind, ice and snow in the area may explain the cause of Monday’s crash
What did the officials say?
After the crash, the FAA issued a ground stop.
Canadian Transport Minister Anita Anand said she was “closely connected after a serious incident”. Transport Minister Sean Duffy said he was in touch with Anand to “provide the assistance and assistance of the investigation.”
Meanwhile, Delta acknowledged the incident in a statement.
“The initial report was no deaths. Several injured customers were transported to regional hospitals. Our main focus was on caring for those affected,” the airline said.
“The heart of the entire global Delta family is with the people affected by the events that took place today at Toronto-Pesson International Airport, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in another statement. “I want to thank many Delta and effort team members and the first responders on the scene.”
He said on X that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is also monitoring the situation.
“I kept in touch with the Delta after the plane took off from the MSP crash this afternoon,” Walz wrote. “Thanks to the first responders and professionals on the scene.”
Ontario Prime Minister Doug Ford said he had “relieved” so far.
“Provincial officials are in contact with airports and local authorities and will provide any assistance needed,” Ford said.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also issued a similar statement: “I am very happy to learn that all passengers and crew were explained after the plane crash in Toronto Pearson today. Thanks to the first responders, crew members and airport staff for their quick action and commitment to keep everyone safe.”
