A survivor from a recent Delta Air Lines crash captured the moment he was safely evacuated from the overturned aircraft.
The incident occurred on February 17 when a Delta plane, carrying 80 individuals, crashed and flipped on the runway at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada.
The aircraft had taken off from Minneapolis, Minnesota, earlier in the day, and the crash happened around 2:15 p.m. local time.
As a result, flights at Toronto Pearson, the busiest airport in Canada, were halted for approximately two and a half hours.
Although some operations have resumed, two runways are reportedly still closed as investigations into the crash continue.
Thankfully, there were no fatalities, and all 76 passengers along with four crew members were evacuated safely from the plane.
However, it is reported that around 18 passengers sustained injuries during the incident.
Deborah Flint, chief executive of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, remarked on the situation: “We are very grateful there was no loss of life and relatively minor injuries.”
Passengers have been sharing intense footage from the scene, including one who recorded the evacuation process.
Pete Koukov, who was among the passengers, posted a video on Instagram shortly after the crash.
Check it out here:
In the footage, as Pete exits the plane, a Delta crew member instructs him and others evacuating to ‘drop everything’ as people outside were ready to assist.
After safely exiting, Pete turns the camera towards the overturned plane, repeatedly exclaiming ‘holy f**k’.
Expressing disbelief at his survival, he says, “Yo, I was just on this f**king plane.”
He captioned his viral Instagram post: “Being alive feels pretty cool today.”
The video has attracted over 3.7 million likes, with viewers expressing their astonishment over the event.
One viewer commented: “This is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Another added: “I would have already passed away from a panic attack.”
Many praised the flight attendants for their role in the evacuation.
One comment read: “This is when we all realize what flight attendants actually do. Bless them for their service and prayers for the injured.”
Another stated: “Shout out to the flight attendant still working.”
There was relief expressed for Pete’s safety as well.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian released a statement: “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. We are working to confirm the details and will share the most current information as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, please take care and stay safe.”
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is leading the investigation into the crash.