A dramatic scene unfolded at Toronto Pearson Airport when Delta Connection flight 4819 flipped over during landing, leaving first responders rushing to aid passengers and crew members.
According to Fox News, air traffic control audio released Monday captured the tense moments as officials discovered the CRJ-900 jet operated by Endeavor Air had crashed and caught fire on the tarmac around 2:15 p.m.
The incident involved 80 people aboard the Minneapolis-originating flight, including 76 passengers and four crew members. While no fatalities were reported, 18 people sustained injuries, with three individuals, including a four-year-old child, in critical condition.
Airport operations came to a temporary halt as emergency crews rushed to assist passengers evacuating the overturned aircraft. First responders worked efficiently to transport injured passengers to various medical facilities across Toronto, with the child being taken to The Hospital for Sick Children.
Peel Regional Paramedic Services Superintendent Lawrence Saindon provided reassurance about the conditions of those injured. He emphasized that despite the critical nature of some injuries, none were life-threatening, with most passengers sustaining minor cuts and scrapes.
The airport resumed normal operations approximately three hours after the incident, with departures and arrivals recommencing around 5 p.m.
Delta's incident response team deployed specially trained representatives to Toronto Pearson International Airport to support affected passengers and their families. The airline demonstrated swift action in addressing the emergency situation.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian said:
The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected by today's incident at Toronto-Pearson International Airport. I want to express my thanks to the many Delta and Endeavor team members and the first responders on site.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow acknowledged the incident on social media platform X, commending the rapid response of emergency personnel while expressing relief that all passengers and crew were accounted for.
Emergency response expert Jason Pack provided insights into the distinct characteristics of Canadian emergency protocols compared to American procedures. The Canadian system maintains separate roles for firefighters and paramedics, unlike the U.S. where firefighters often serve dual roles.
Pack highlighted that Canadian airport firefighters possess specialized training specifically for aircraft emergencies. This expertise proved crucial during Monday's incident, as teams worked together to manage the complex situation.
The CRJ-900 jet incident at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday afternoon resulted in 18 injuries when Delta Connection flight 4819 from Minneapolis crashed during landing. The aircraft, operated by Endeavor Air, flipped over and caught fire, prompting an immediate emergency response from local authorities and airport personnel.
Investigators are now examining the circumstances that led to the crash, while Delta and Endeavor Air officials, including Endeavor CEO Jim Graham, have traveled to Toronto to cooperate with the investigation. The incident highlights the effectiveness of Canadian emergency response protocols and the coordination between various emergency service branches in managing aviation disasters.
