Toronto Plane Crash: Miraculous Survival as Delta Flight Flips on Landing Amid 40 mph Winds
A heart-stopping event unfolded at Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 18, 2025, as a Delta Air Lines flight experienced a dramatic flip upon landing. The aircraft, a Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR, was en route from Minneapolis with 76 passengers and four crew members aboard. The chaos ensued around 2:15 in the afternoon amidst challenging conditions of snow and fierce winds reaching up to 40 mph.
While the incident was nothing short of terrifying, a miracle was witnessed as all 80 individuals on board survived the ordeal. Unfortunately, the ordeal was not without injury; 15 passengers and crew members were taken to the hospital, with three individuals in critical condition. Among those severely hurt were a child, a man in his 60s, and a woman in her 40s. Notably, two trauma patients required airlift to local hospitals in Toronto, and a critically injured child was transported to a specialized pediatric facility.
The initial chaos of the accident led to conflicting reports regarding the number of injured. Initial updates cited eight individuals hurt, but as rescues progressed, the numbers were adjusted to reflect the severity of the incident. As investigation ensues, communications during the plane's descent did not hint at impending trouble. Nonetheless, the situation's exact cause remains ambiguous as the Transportation Safety Board of Canada delves deeper into the potential factors, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) offering their expertise.
Deborah Flint, the CEO of the airport, voiced her gratitude for the survival of all involved, despite acknowledging injuries that ranged predominantly from minor to critical. The airport confronted a temporary closure, halting operations until about 4:30 p.m., as emergency crews worked tirelessly. Video footage painted a scene of firefighters battling flames and passengers scrambling to evacuate the overturned aircraft.
The rigorous investigation will assess possible causes, with attention focused on the tumultuous weather that rapidly turned the routine landing into a precarious situation. Strong winds and intense snowstorms were influencing factors that will likely receive thorough scrutiny in the review process, as authorities piece together the dynamics of this extraordinary escape.
