A Delta flight, Flight 4819, crashed while attempting to land at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday, leaving the aircraft upside-down on the snow-covered tarmac. The plane, which had departed Minneapolis, was carrying 80 passengers and crew members. Thankfully, all individuals on board have been evacuated, and while 15 people were taken to hospitals, authorities have indicated that all are expected to survive.
According to Peel Regional Paramedic Services, the injured were transported to various hospitals. Of those, three individuals—one child, a man in his 60s, and a woman in her 40s—suffered critical injuries. They were airlifted to trauma centers, including a children’s hospital for the child.
The cause of the crash remains unclear, but conditions at the airport were challenging at the time. Blowing snow and gusty winds, reaching up to 40 mph on the ground and stronger at higher altitudes, created hazardous conditions for the flight’s landing. Emergency responders were quick to reach the scene, but the investigation into the incident is already underway. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has taken the lead in the probe, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues to provide support.
At the time of writing, Toronto Pearson Airport remains closed, with operations expected to resume after 4:30 p.m. local time.
While this crash occurred under adverse weather conditions, officials are focused on determining whether other factors contributed to the plane’s flip and subsequent fire. The swift evacuation and immediate medical care for the injured passengers have helped prevent further tragedy. As investigations continue, the exact cause of the incident will be scrutinized to ensure passenger safety moving forward.
