Passengers aboard a Delta Air Lines flight that crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport are set to receive $30,000 each in compensation after the terrifying incident.
The airline confirmed the payout, stating that it is not contingent on any conditions and will not affect passengers’ legal rights.
The accident occurred on Monday, when a Bombardier CRJ-900 jet, operated by Delta’s regional subsidiary Endeavor Air, was attempting to land in Toronto. The aircraft, which had taken off from Minneapolis at 10:30 AM, struggled during its descent and made contact with the runway wing-first, before flipping over and coming to rest upside down.
Passengers Escape, One Still Hospitalized
Miraculously, all 80 passengers and crew survived the crash. Emergency response teams acted swiftly, extinguishing smoke and safely evacuating those onboard.
Delta reported that 21 passengers were hospitalized following the incident, most with minor injuries. As of Wednesday morning, only one passenger remained in the hospital for further treatment.
Delta CEO Praises Crew’s Heroic Response
Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, publicly commended the actions of the pilots and cabin crew, calling their response “heroic.” Speaking on CBS Mornings, Bastian emphasized the airline’s commitment to safety and praised the crew for their professionalism under pressure.
“Our top priority is always safety, and our pilots and cabin crew demonstrated remarkable professionalism and courage in handling this situation,” he said.
Aviation experts have noted that the aircraft’s design features and quick emergency response played a crucial role in preventing fatalities.
Crash Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the accident. Both the Canadian Transportation Safety Board (TSB) and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting inquiries.
Footage from the scene shows thick smoke rising from the aircraft as emergency personnel rushed to the wreckage. Witnesses reported seeing the plane struggling as it made its final descent before the crash.
As of now, the exact cause of the accident remains unknown. Investigators are analyzing flight data, pilot communications, and weather conditions at the time of landing.
Aviation Safety Remains a Priority
Despite the harrowing experience, Bastian reassured the public that air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation.
“In this industry, we compete in many ways, but safety is never one of them. We all work together and learn from each other,” he stated.
Delta’s proactive compensation offer reflects the airline’s effort to maintain customer trust and minimize the impact on passengers who endured the frightening event.
