18-2-2025 (TORONTO) A Delta Air Lines aircraft flipped onto its back during landing, resulting in injuries to 17 passengers amidst challenging weather conditions.
The incident occurred shortly after 2 pm when Delta Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, attempted to land following its journey from Minneapolis. The Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR aircraft, carrying 76 passengers and four crew members, overturned on the runway, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Toronto Pearson’s chief executive, Deborah Flint, confirmed that whilst all individuals aboard were accounted for, 17 passengers required hospital treatment. Among the critically injured were a child, who was rushed to Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, alongside a man in his 60s and a woman in her 40s.
The accident triggered significant disruption to airport operations, with two runways remaining closed for investigation. However, flight operations resumed on the airport’s other runways by 5 pm local time.
“The swift response of our first responders was nothing short of heroic,” Flint told journalists at an emergency press briefing. “We’re immensely relieved that there was no loss of life.”
Air traffic control recordings revealed that pilots had been warned about potential turbulence in their landing approach. Eyewitness accounts from ground crew described scenes of chaos as emergency services rushed to the overturned aircraft, which reportedly caught fire after impact.
The incident occurred during an already challenging day at Canada’s busiest airport, which was managing the aftermath of heavy weekend snowfall that had deposited 22 centimetres of snow, disrupting numerous flights.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has launched a full investigation, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. Meanwhile, several Canadian airports, including Hamilton and Montreal’s Trudeau International, have been accommodating diverted flights.
Transport Minister Anita Anand is closely monitoring the situation, whilst local and national leaders have expressed relief at the absence of fatalities. The incident has prompted Delta Air Lines to establish support services for affected passengers and their families.
