Delta Air Lines offers $30K to crash passengers amidst investigation
- A Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis to Toronto crash-landed, flipping over on the runway.
- All 80 individuals aboard survived, although several were treated for injuries.
- Delta Air Lines is compensating passengers with $30,000 each as investigations continue.
Canada was shaken by a severe aviation incident when a Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis to Toronto crash-landed on February 17, 2025. The flight, which had a total of 80 people aboard, including 76 passengers and four crew members, faced significant distress when it skidded off the runway at Toronto Pearson Airport around 19:15 GMT. In a shocking turn of events, the aircraft flipped over, leaving all passengers suspended upside down in their seats for a distressing period. Fortunately, all individuals on the flight survived, although 21 required hospitalization, with most released shortly thereafter, according to reports from Delta. Witnesses described the harrowing experience as the plane came to rest. Some passengers shared their accounts and captured videos that showed them evacuating the aircraft. Footage revealed an attendant urging passengers to abandon their belongings as evacuation proceeded. Emergency crews were seen battling smoke billowing from the damaged aircraft. An investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada was initiated to determine the underlying cause of this alarming mishap. Early assessments indicated that the plane executed a hard landing, raising concerns about potential pilot error. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian spoke publicly to commend the efforts of the crewmembers, specifically those from Endeavor Air, the subsidiary operating the flight. Bastian emphasized the company's commitment to safety among its pilot team, asserting a single standard of safety across mainline and regional operations. This incident highlights the critical importance of procedural adherence during landings. As the investigation unfolded, Delta Air Lines responded by offering each passenger involved in the incident $30,000. This gesture signifies the airline's acknowledgment of the traumatic experience faced by those on board and their intention to provide support during this distressing time. The event caused temporary airport closures, leading to a three-hour halt in flights operations, adding to the chaos of the day. The aviation community awaits the results of the ongoing inquiry to understand what went wrong during this routine flight turned disaster.