A medical helicopter pilot described the scene of a crash at a major Canadian airport after a passenger plane carrying 80 people overturned on the runway. According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, the crash of the Delta Air Lines Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR regional jet at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday (Tuesday AEDT) resulted in three serious injuries. This incident highlights the potential risks associated with air travel and the importance of safety measures.
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02-20, 2025Delta Air Lines stated that at least 18 passengers were injured and taken to hospitals after the crash landing, including one child and two adults with serious injuries. Other injuries ranged from minor to moderate. All crew members and passengers have been confirmed safe. The airline is working to support those affected by the incident and investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
According to air traffic control audio, a medical helicopter was in the area and proactively offered assistance after the plane crashed on the runway. The helicopter pilot stated that they had received permission from operations control to land at the north end and assist with the crash. Subsequently, the pilot inquired about more details regarding the crash. Control tower personnel provided specific information about the crash site and the type of aircraft, which can be heard in the audio. Air traffic controllers informed the pilot that people were walking around the plane. The helicopter pilot responded, "Yes, we see that. The plane is flipped over and is on fire." This rapid response highlights the importance of coordination in emergency situations.
The airport said in a statement that Delta Air Lines Flight 4819 (operated by Endeavor Air) crashed while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada at approximately 2:45 p.m. local time, noting that the aircraft departed from Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. Delta Air Lines confirmed in a statement that the aircraft was carrying 80 people, including 76 passengers and 4 crew members. Further investigation is needed to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the crash.
Deborah Flint, President and CEO of Toronto Pearson International Airport, commended the airport's first responders and other trained personnel, whose efforts ensured that the accident, in which the aircraft crashed on the runway, did not result in any fatalities. Flint stated at a press conference that the airport's first responders provided a "textbook response," quickly arriving at the crash site and evacuating everyone from the aircraft. She also stated that the airport has established an "emergency operations center" comprised of Delta Air Lines, fire and police departments, paramedics, security personnel, and federal agency partners. Flint made a statement but did not take any questions at the press conference. The airport is committed to learning from this incident to improve future safety protocols.
The cause of the plane overturning is currently unknown, but weather may have been a factor. Data from Environment Canada showed that the airport was experiencing blowing snow at the time, with winds of 51 km/h and gusts up to 65 km/h, and a temperature of approximately minus 8 degrees Celsius. This crash occurred less than three weeks after a U.S. American Airlines aircraft was involved in a mid-air collision with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on approach to Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. Additionally, fatal accidents involving Jeju Air and Azerbaijan Airlines occurred in December. These incidents underscore the need for continuous vigilance and improvement in aviation safety standards.
