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On Monday afternoon, air traffic control audio revealed the dramatic reactions of officials as they became aware of a Delta Connection flight burning on the tarmac at Toronto Pearson Airport. The incident involved CRJ-900 aircraft operated by Endeavor Air, and it occurred around 2:15 p.m., shortly after the flight had landed.
Passengers and crew members faced a harrowing situation with approximately 80 individuals on board, which included 76 passengers and four crew members. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported, although at least 18 individuals suffered injuries, three of which were classified as critical.
Just moments before the crash, an official was heard stating, “This airplane just crashed.” An observer provided further information, noting that there were also people walking around the aircraft, increasing the urgency of the situation.
In the audio, one personnel confirmed the dire status of the aircraft, saying, “The aircraft there’s upside down and burning.” This remark underscored the seriousness of the incident.
Earlier that day, the flight had departed from Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. Following the crash, Toronto Pearson Airport suspended its operations temporarily. Resumption of flights occurred around 5 p.m. as emergency crews worked diligently at the scene.
Among the critically injured, a four-year-old child was transported to The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. The other two critically injured patients were flown by air ambulance to two different trauma centers in the area: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center and St. Michael’s Hospital.
Peel Regional Paramedic Services Superintendent Lawrence Saindon reported to Fox News Digital that, despite the critical injuries, none were deemed life-threatening. He stated, “The remaining ones are all walking wounded, with cuts and scrapes, nothing serious at all.” This information brought some relief amid a tense situation.
In a public statement posted on X, Delta Airlines emphasized its primary concern was the well-being of those affected. Delta CEO Ed Bastian also expressed his condolences for the incident.
In his statement, Bastian expressed the sympathy of the entire global Delta family for those impacted by this distressing situation at Toronto Pearson International Airport. He commended the efforts of the Delta and Endeavor team members present at the scene, along with the local first responders who attended to the injured.
Emergency response specialist Jason Pack commented on the incident, highlighting the distinctions in how Canadian authorities approach emergency situations compared to their American counterparts. Pack elaborated, saying, “Canada’s emergency response system shares many similarities with other countries, but also key differences in how first responders work together.”
He pointed out that Canadian airport firefighters possess specialized training for aircraft emergencies, which may contribute to their effective response. Additionally, he noted that Canadian paramedics utilize a structured triage system to prioritize and transport patients to trauma centers.
Unlike the United States, where firefighters may also serve as paramedics, Canada’s system keeps these roles separate. This necessitates a larger number of emergency medical services (EMS) personnel arriving to manage medical care effectively.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident, aiming to understand more about the circumstances that led to the crash. Such inquiries are essential in ensuring that safety measures can be improved to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The prompt response from emergency teams and the absence of fatalities, despite the gravity of the situation, demonstrate the effectiveness of preparedness in addressing aviation emergencies. As investigations continue, updates regarding the incident will provide further insights into what occurred and reflect on ongoing safety protocols within the aviation industry.
Reporting by Fox News Digital’s Christopher Guly contributed to this article.
