Delta Flight 4819, a CRJ 900 operated by Endeavor Air, crashed and overturned at Toronto Pearson International Airport Monday afternoon, resulting in 18 hospitalizations but no fatalities. Investigators are scrambling to determine why the Minneapolis-bound jet flipped and caught fire during snowy conditions with 40 mph winds.
Peel Regional Paramedic Services confirmed three critical injuries—a child, a man in his 60s, and a woman in her 40s—though none are life-threatening. Twelve others sustained minor injuries. All 76 passengers and four crew members were safely evacuated before flames engulfed the aircraft.
Our heroic responders ensured every soul escaped this nightmare scenario
Toronto Pearson CEO Deborah Flint stated in an urgent press briefing. The airport temporarily halted flights, but operations partially resumed by 5 PM ET.
Key unanswered questions include:
- Why the aircraft failed to navigate dry runway conditions
- How wind gusts at altitude impacted flight stability
- Mechanical factors contributing to post-crash ignition
Delta CEO Ed Bastian pledged full cooperation with Canadian authorities, emphasizing the global Delta family stands with those affected.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed U.S. support for the investigation led by Canada’s Transportation Safety Board.
Weather reports show the crash occurred during near-whiteout conditions, though airport officials insist runways were properly maintained. Aviation experts speculate wind shear or sudden mechanical failure could explain the violent flip.
