Delta Air Lines has pledged to compensate each passenger Ksh.3,885,000 ($30,000) after one of its aircraft crashed while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week. The airline announced the compensation package on Wednesday, emphasizing that it comes with no conditions and does not affect the legal rights of the passengers involved.
The incident, which took place on Monday, saw a Delta Air Lines Bombardier CRJ-900 jet departing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, encounter a severe landing mishap. Upon touching down, the aircraft hit the runway forcefully, flipped over, and skidded to a halt while engulfed in flames and thick plumes of black smoke. Miraculously, none of the 80 people on board lost their lives.
Delta confirmed that 21 passengers sustained injuries, with most receiving immediate medical attention and later being discharged. However, one individual remained hospitalized as of Wednesday morning. Emergency responders treated a range of injuries, including back sprains, head trauma, and psychological distress such as anxiety and severe headaches.
Videos of the terrifying crash, widely circulated on social media, depict the aircraft coming in for landing before slamming onto the runway, rolling forward, and losing its wings before ultimately stopping on its back. The footage, verified by AFP, has fueled discussions on airline safety protocols and emergency preparedness.
In response to the incident, Canada’s Transportation Safety Board has launched an official investigation, working alongside the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Delta, and Mitsubishi—the current owner of the CRJ aircraft line, which was acquired from Bombardier in 2019. Authorities are expected to analyze flight data, pilot reports, and mechanical inspections to determine the cause of the crash.
This latest accident adds to a worrying trend of aviation mishaps in North America. In recent weeks, a U.S. Army helicopter collided midair with a passenger jet in Washington, claiming 67 lives. Additionally, a medical transport plane crashed in Philadelphia, resulting in seven fatalities. These incidents have heightened concerns over airline safety and regulatory oversight in the region.
Delta’s swift compensation offer underscores the airline’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the affected passengers, but it also raises questions about broader industry safety standards. As investigations continue, passengers and aviation experts alike will be closely watching for any findings that may lead to improved safety measures across the industry.
