Harrowing Account of Toronto Plane Crash: Passengers Thrown into Air, Hanging Upside Down
A Passenger’s Perspective of the Spine-Chilling Incident
Peter Koukov, a passenger onboard the ill-fated Delta Air Lines plane that crash-landed in Toronto, recounts the terrifying ordeal that unfolded as the aircraft hurtled towards disaster. Koukov, who was traveling from Denver to Toronto, captured the harrowing moments after the crash on camera, providing a chilling glimpse into the chaos that ensued.
A Violent Impact and Unexpected Chaos
In an interview with "America’s Newsroom," Koukov vividly described the moment the plane struck the runway, sending passengers into a state of disarray.
"Basically, we hit the ground and kind of just bounced up and turned on our side and were sliding on our side for a while," Koukov recounted to Dana Perino.
The impact was so sudden and severe that Koukov initially believed they were still airborne.
"Honestly, not as long as I thought we were going to slide for, and then we ended up upside down and we were… hanging by our seat belts upside down for a second."
A Surreal Upside-Down Experience
As the plane lay overturned on the tarmac, passengers found themselves suspended upside down, trapped in their seats.
"We made it off safely," Koukov said, his voice tinged with relief. "Everyone is alive, thankfully."
The horrifying experience of being suspended in mid-air, weightless and disoriented, left an unforgettable mark on Koukov’s memory.
"You’re kind of just hanging suspended," he said. "Me and that girl next to me were… able to get out pretty quickly and kind of like climb… sort of fall down to the ground, which was in the ceiling."
Desperate Escape Amidst a Scene of Disarray
Injured passengers fell, while others struggled to free themselves from the wreckage. Koukov witnessed the harrowing scene unfold firsthand.
"Other people kind of needed some help and people were sort of falling," he recalled. "But I don’t think anyone… was hurt by getting down from their seat belts."
Cause of Crash Remains Elusive
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada taking the lead.
"The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected by today’s incident at Toronto-Pearson International Airport," said Delta CEO Ed Bastian in a statement. "We are working to confirm the details and will share the most current information as soon as it becomes available."
Aftermath: Injuries and Trauma
Eighteen passengers sustained injuries and were transported to area hospitals, with three suffering critical but non-life-threatening injuries. A child was also taken to a children’s hospital.
The incident has sparked renewed fears of flying, but for Koukov, it is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
"I’m very thankful that I’m alive and that everyone else is alive," he said. "It’s a very surreal experience."
As the investigation into the crash continues, Koukov’s harrowing account serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers that can lurk in the skies, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
