Crash landing in Toronto: Delta plane flips over on runway at Pearson International Airport

A regional jet operated by Delta Connection flipped upside down on the runway at Toronto Pearson International Airport after landing in snowy conditions. Authorities confirmed that at least 18 passengers were injured, but there were no fatalities.

The incident and emergency response

The Toronto airport reported via its social media that an incident during the landing of a Delta Air Lines plane from Minneapolis. The accident occurred at around 14:45 local time. Emergency crews immediately responded to the scene, evacuated passengers and confirmed that 18 people were transported to nearby hospitals.

Delta Air Lines issued a statement confirming that flight 4819 operated by Endeavor Air under the Delta Connection brand was involved in a single-aircraft accident. The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-900, rolled over on the snow-covered runway. Images shared on social media showed the aircraft overturned and mangled at the scene.

According to Peel Regional Paramedic Services Superintendent Lawrence Saindon, three people were taken to hospital with serious, but not life-threatening injuries. A child about four years old was taken to the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Fifteen other people were treated for minor injuries, such as cuts and scrapes.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also issued a statement noting that the accident occurred while the plane was landing, and confirmed that all passengers and crew were evacuated immediately. Canadian authorities are in charge of the investigation.

Cancellations and travel waivers

Delta Air Lines cancelled flights to and from Toronto Pearson International Airport for the remainder of the afternoon and issued travel waivers. Affected passengers can contact Delta's Passenger Information Center for details and flight information.

Context and aviation safety concerns

This accident comes at a time when the safety of regional flights is under scrutiny, following the recent mid-air collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet over the Potomac River. That event has raised concerns about possible radio communications failures and altitude system errors, which are currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

At this time, Canadian authorities have not provided details on the causes of the accident in Toronto. More official reports are expected to be issued in the coming hours as investigations progress.