The experience of a plane crash is harrowing and life-changing. But for the 80 people aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis to Toronto Pearson International Airport, a stroke of luck saw all of them survive an incredibly dangerous incident. The plane flipped while landing, but miraculously, there were no fatalities, and most of the passengers came out with only minor injuries.
As the aircraft made its approach to the runway, everything seemed normal. But in an instant, the plane skidded on its side and then flipped upside down. The moment of impact left everyone in the cabin disoriented and suspended from their seats. John Nelson, a passenger, recalled the moments after the crash in a Facebook video: “Our plane crashed. It’s upside down.”
Survival in the face of such an ordeal was nothing short of extraordinary. Passengers immediately began helping one another, offering support and ensuring that no one was left behind. “We were upside down hanging like bats,” said Peter Koukov, another passenger, describing the surreal scene inside the cabin. The once-controlled environment of the flight had quickly transformed into chaos as people tried to adjust to their new upside-down reality.
As the moments passed, the passengers began working together as a cohesive unit. Mr. Nelson, who had remained calm, described the chaos of the crash. He was able to unbuckle himself and push himself to the floor, while others struggled to get free from their seat belts or needed assistance. “Some people were kind of hanging and needed some help… and others were able to get down on their own,” he said, highlighting the shared sense of responsibility among the passengers.
In the aftermath of the crash, the scene was both chaotic and composed. Emergency crews arrived promptly, with fire trucks spraying foam over the overturned plane. The flames visible on one side of the aircraft sparked immediate concern, but thanks to the fast response from emergency services, the fire was contained quickly.
Despite the traumatic event, the response from the passengers was one of unity and cooperation. Pete Carlson, another passenger, spoke to CBC about how everyone on the plane suddenly became much closer: “What I saw was everyone on that plane suddenly became very close, in terms of how to help one another, how to console one another.”
The story of this crash echoed a theme of community and survival, as families and friends, waiting at the airport, learned about the incident in the most unexpected way. Diane Perry, who was at the airport waiting to check in for a flight, had no idea the crash had just occurred until her family called her with the news. “It was kind of ironic that we were in the airport and didn’t know that there was a crash outside,” she said.
Although the cause of the crash remains under investigation, the survival of everyone on board is nothing short of miraculous. With two runways closed for investigation, travelers were advised to expect delays, as the authorities look into what went wrong.
John Nelson, still in shock from the incident, described his emotions after surviving the crash. “It’s amazing that we’re still here,” he said, expressing his disbelief at the near-death experience. Pete Carlson, nursing a minor head injury, shared a similar sentiment, saying it was “really amazing” to be alive after such a terrifying ordeal.
The passengers’ bravery and quick thinking, along with the rapid response from airport staff and emergency personnel, undoubtedly played a key role in preventing the incident from being even worse. For those who lived through this flight, the experience has left them forever changed but grateful for the life they still have.
