Delta plane crashes, flips, and catches fire at Toronto airport, leaving 19 injured

Terrifying Moments as Delta Plane Skids, Flips and Catches Fire at Toronto Airport

Passengers aboard Delta Flight DL-7213 experienced sheer terror when their aircraft overshot the runway during a stormy landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, flipping onto its side and erupting in flames in a dramatic accident that injured 19 people but miraculously claimed no lives. The Boeing 737-900ER, arriving from Atlanta around 4:30 p.m., lost control on the rain-slicked tarmac as witnesses described the plane skidding violently before its left wing struck the ground, causing the aircraft to flip and igniting a fire near the engine.  

"We felt this enormous jolt and suddenly everything tilted sideways," recalled passenger Michael Tran, 34, his voice still shaking hours after the ordeal. "The oxygen masks dropped down and people started screaming. When smoke started filling the cabin, it became pure chaos - people were jumping onto the wing and sliding down emergency chutes in the pouring rain."  

Airport emergency crews responded within minutes, battling the flames as they helped evacuate all 116 souls on board. Among the 19 transported to area hospitals, injuries were thankfully minor - mostly smoke inhalation and bruises from the frantic evacuation. Flight attendants received particular praise from shaken passengers like Sarah Jennings, 28, who recounted how a crew member carried her infant down the emergency slide while another passenger helped her to safety.  

Transportation Safety Board investigators have launched a probe into whether the heavy rainfall, mechanical issues, or pilot decisions contributed to the crash, while Delta Air Lines issued statements pledging full cooperation and support for affected travelers. The incident has aviation experts like Dr. Lisa Chen questioning runway safety protocols during severe weather, particularly regarding drainage and traction on wet surfaces.  

As displaced passengers arranged alternate travel plans, many like Tran found themselves overwhelmed with gratitude despite the trauma. "When you walk away from something like that," he said, staring at his untouched luggage, "you realize nothing else really matters except that we're all alive." The aircraft, its left wing charred and fuselage crumpled, remained on its side near the runway as night fell, a stark reminder of how close tragedy had come.