Passengers Recount Harrowing Moments in Delta Air Lines Crash at Toronto Pearson
On February 17, 2023, a Delta Air Lines flight bound for Toronto Pearson Airport crash-landed, leaving 18 passengers injured, including three with serious injuries. The Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, operated by Endeavor Air, skidded off the runway and ended up upside down on its back.
Passenger Videos Capture Chaos
In the wake of the crash, passengers took to social media to share their harrowing experiences. Ashley Zook posted a Snapchat video documenting the aftermath, her face windswept as she emerged from the overturned plane with a group of passengers.
"We were upside down, hanging like bats," another passenger, Pete Koukov, a skier, told CNN. In an Instagram video, Koukov filmed himself evacuating the plane with the help of an Endeavor Air employee.
"Drop everything, drop everything, go!" the employee urged passengers as they disembarked with their belongings. "Yo, I just got off that plane," Koukov exclaimed, showing the damaged aircraft on the snowy runway.
Extent of Damage
Images shared on social media revealed the extent of the damage to the plane. The Bombardier CRJ900’s fuselage was charred, with at least one wing missing and the tail partially destroyed.
Passenger Accounts of Evacuation
In a Facebook video, passenger John Nelson described the surreal moment. "Our plane crashed. It’s upside down," he said. The video showed passengers quickly exiting the aircraft while shielding themselves from the wind. "Most people seem okay. We’re all getting off," Nelson added.
Another video shared by Storyful captured the scene from the other side of the plane. Firefighters were seen exiting the aircraft as flames erupted on the exterior. Multiple water jets doused the fuselage.
Investigation Underway
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has launched an investigation into the accident, assisted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Investigators are examining the wreckage, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing data to determine the cause of the crash.
Recent Aviation Incidents
The Toronto accident has raised concerns about aviation safety, coming on the heels of several other recent incidents in North America. In December 2022, a Southwest Airlines flight bound for Dallas made an emergency landing after an engine failure. In January 2023, a United Airlines flight from Chicago to Honolulu experienced turbulence that left multiple passengers injured.
Authorities are emphasizing the importance of thorough investigations and implementing necessary safety measures to prevent future accidents. The TSB has pledged to provide updates on the Toronto crash investigation as it progresses.
