A Delta Airlines regional jet crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday, leaving many passengers shaken but unharmed. The CRJ-900 regional jet, carrying 76 passengers and four crew members, crashed while attempting to land after departing from Minneapolis. The incident, which occurred around 2:15 p.m., has caused major disruptions at Canada’s busiest airport, leading to flight cancellations and delays that continue to affect travelers.
Passengers Evacuated Before First Responders Arrived
Remarkably, most passengers on the Delta flight self-evacuated before emergency crews reached the scene. According to Fire Chief Todd Aitken, the fast action of the passengers helped prevent further harm. Upon arrival, emergency responders helped the passengers reach a secondary location, where they were provided with support.
Cory Tkatch, a paramedic from Peel Regional Paramedic Services, stated that the passengers had mostly suffered common injuries, such as back pain, headaches, nausea, and symptoms related to fuel exposure. Two passengers were hospitalized, but officials confirmed that their injuries were not life-threatening.
“We are relieved that no one sustained life-threatening injuries,” said Tkatch. “While the situation was traumatic, the swift action of both passengers and first responders helped prevent a more serious outcome.”
Flight Cancellations and Delays at Canada’s Busiest Airport
The crash has had a lasting impact on flight operations at Toronto Pearson International Airport. While the airport remains open, flight cancellations and delays have continued into the following days. Travelers are urged to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport.
By Tuesday morning, 145 flights had been canceled, and 72 flights had been delayed. On Monday, nearly 400 flights were canceled, and over 360 were delayed. As Canada’s busiest airport, which handled more than 44.8 million passengers in 2023, the crash has had widespread effects on both international and domestic air travel.
Delta Airlines, the carrier involved in the crash, has stated that it is working closely with airport authorities to ensure passengers are rebooked on other flights and receive appropriate assistance.
The airport’s management has also been in constant communication with passengers, assuring them that the staff is doing everything possible to minimize disruptions. “We are fully committed to the well-being of all passengers affected by this incident,” said Deborah Flint, the CEO of Toronto Pearson International Airport. “We continue to provide logistical and emotional support as we manage the ongoing situation.”
Ongoing Investigation into the Cause of the Crash
The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), which is leading the inquiry with assistance from U.S. investigators and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Delta’s incident response team also arrived at the scene on Monday evening to support the investigation and coordinate efforts to assist affected passengers.
The CRJ-900 aircraft, which had departed from Minneapolis, was attempting to land at Toronto Pearson when it crashed. Authorities report that 21 of the 80 people on board sustained injuries. However, the majority of those injured were released by Tuesday morning, with only two passengers remaining in the hospital for further evaluation.
In response to the crash, Toronto Pearson temporarily shut down all of its runways, halting operations for several hours. The airport resumed operations by 5 p.m. that day, though two major runways remain closed for at least 48 hours. As a result, delays are expected to persist until the runway closures are lifted.
Airport Response and Ongoing Support for Passengers
Airport officials have stressed their commitment to passenger well-being during the crisis. CEO Deborah Flint emphasized that the airport is fully engaged in providing assistance to both passengers and their families.
“We understand the emotional toll incidents like this can have on people, and our team is working diligently to ensure that everyone affected has the resources they need,” Flint said. “Whether it’s rebooking flights or offering emotional support, we are dedicated to helping those impacted by this unfortunate event.”
Toronto Pearson has also activated its support services, including providing hotel accommodations for stranded passengers, access to medical facilities, and information about rebooking or refunding flights.
Airport Operations Slowly Returning to Normal
Despite the disruptions, airport operations are slowly returning to normal, although the impact of the crash continues to be felt. The two major runways, which remain closed for safety inspections and repairs, are expected to be out of service for at least another 48 hours. This has caused a ripple effect on flight schedules, with numerous travelers facing long waits and unexpected cancellations.
Airport authorities are working to minimize the impact of the closures, but they urge passengers to stay updated on their flight status. Passengers are also encouraged to contact their airlines for assistance, particularly in light of the ongoing flight delays and cancellations.
The Global Impact of the Incident
The Delta Airlines jet crash has not only affected local travel in Toronto but has also had repercussions on international flights. As Toronto Pearson is a major hub for both domestic and international flights, the delays and cancellations are creating a ripple effect across the global aviation network.
Passengers traveling to and from destinations such as the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean are advised to be aware of potential delays or rescheduled flights. Airlines are continuing to work with airport authorities to rebook affected passengers and offer alternative travel options wherever possible.
Conclusion
The crash of the Delta Airlines CRJ-900 regional jet at Toronto Pearson International Airport has caused significant disruptions, but thankfully, there have been no life-threatening injuries. The swift action of passengers, coupled with the timely response of emergency crews, helped prevent a much worse outcome. The airport remains open, but travelers should expect ongoing delays and cancellations as the investigation continues and two major runways remain closed.
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