Toronto, ON – A Delta Air Lines jet carrying 80 passengers and crew members flipped onto its roof while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday afternoon, sending 18 people to local hospitals with injuries.
The aircraft, a Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR, was arriving from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport when the incident occurred around 2:15 PM EST. According to airport officials, the plane landed amidst strong winds and blowing snow, conditions that may have contributed to the accident.
Upon touching down, the aircraft veered off the runway and flipped over, coming to rest upside down on the tarmac. Emergency crews were immediately dispatched to the scene and were able to quickly evacuate all 80 people on board.
“We are grateful that all passengers and crew members are safe and accounted for,” said Delta Air Lines in a released statement. “We are working closely with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada to determine the cause of this incident.”
Of the 80 people on board, 18 sustained injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. While the extent of their injuries is not yet known, airport officials have stated that they are not life-threatening.
“We are thankful that the injuries sustained by our passengers and crew members were relatively minor,” said Deborah Flint, CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. “We are committed to providing support to those who were affected by this incident.”
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. A team of investigators has been dispatched to the scene to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The investigation is expected to take several months to complete.
“We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into this incident,” said a spokesperson for the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. “We will release our findings to the public once our investigation is complete.”
The incident has caused significant disruptions at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Several flights have been delayed or canceled as a result of the accident. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight information.
