TORONTO, CANADA — Following a harrowing incident in Toronto where a Delta Air Lines aircraft crash-landed and flipped onto its roof, the airline is providing each of the 80 passengers and crew members with US$30,000.
The flight, originating from Minneapolis, experienced a dramatic landing, skidding along the runway amidst flames before inverting. Remarkably, all individuals on board survived, with many sustaining minimal injuries. Â
The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Delta Air Lines has clarified that the $30,000 payment is unconditional and does not compromise passengers’ legal rights. However, legal firm Rochon Genova, representing certain passengers and their families, has stated their intent to pursue further action, citing “serious personal injuries” requiring hospitalization.
Vincent Genova, a lawyer from the firm, explained that the $30,000 is an “advance” to address immediate financial needs, which Delta intends to deduct from any subsequent settlement. This practice aligns with precedents, such as Asiana Airlines’ $10,000 offer after a 2013 San Francisco crash and Alaska Airlines $1,500 payouts after a recent mid-air door problem.
The rapid response of the flight crew and emergency services, along with the aircraft’s safety features, were credited with preventing fatalities. All hospitalized passengers were discharged by Thursday. Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, praised the crew’s “heroic” and “trained” response, emphasizing the company’s commitment to safety.
Investigators are examining potential factors contributing to the crash, including severe winter conditions and a rapid descent. Passenger accounts describe a “forceful event” and being suspended upside down.
The flight recorders have been recovered, and Canada’s Transportation Safety Board (TSB), with US support, is leading the investigation. The plane’s wreckage was removed from the runway on Wednesday. Â
This incident is one of several recent aviation events in North America, including a fatal small plane collision in Arizona. Despite these occurrences, experts, including US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, reiterate that air travel remains exceptionally safe. Duffy emphasized that each incident is “very unique” and not indicative of a broader trend.
