Startling video has surfaced showing the Delta Airlines flight that landed catastrophically in Toronto on Monday, February 17, astonishingly overturning during the process.
The incident involved Flight 4819, which rolled over while attempting to land at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada, following its departure from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
There were 80 individuals on board, comprising 76 passengers and four crew members, all of whom managed to evacuate the aircraft safely, according to official reports.
Nevertheless, at least 18 individuals sustained injuries and were subsequently taken to the hospital.
As reported by Ornge, a medical transport company, three of these individuals are in critical condition, according to The Independent.
Their identities have not yet been disclosed publicly, but reports indicate they include a child, a woman in her 40s, and a man in his 60s.
Video footage showing the plane’s landing in Canada has been shared on Twitter by the user ‘airmainengineer’.
The video shows the aircraft touching down, followed by the rear end erupting into flames and smoke.
As it progresses down the runway, the plane leaves behind a trail of smoke, prompting many online to express amazement that there were no fatalities.
“Goodness….this must be one of the craziest things seen,” one person commented, while another remarked: “That is insane! So glad everyone survived!”
In a statement, the Federal Aviation Administration noted: “The NTSB is leading a team of U.S. investigators to assist the Transportation Safety Board of Canada with their investigation of today’s accident of a Delta Air Lines Bombardier CRJ900 at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
“Per international protocols under the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Annex 13, any information about the investigation will be released by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.”
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed his sentiments, as quoted by The Independent: “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.”
An audio recording from ‘LiveATC.net’ captured the exchange between an air traffic controller and the pilots of the Delta Airlines plane prior to the crash. The controller is heard saying: “Endeavor Air 4819. Turn right heading 210. Descent to 3,000. Cleared ILS 23 approach.”
A response follows: “Alright heading 210. Down to 3,000. Cleared through the ILS, 23. Endeavor 4819.”
The air traffic control later warns of winds at ’27’ and gusts ’33,’ noting despite the plane being ‘cleared to land Runway 23,’ it might experience a ‘slight bump’ and ‘there will be an aircraft in front of it’.
The crash occurs shortly after, with a voice confirming the plane has ‘crashed’ and emergency services are ‘needed’.