Toronto: Delta Air Lines has offered $30,000 to each passenger on board the plane that crash-landed in Toronto on Monday. All 76 passengers and four crew members survived the terrifying incident.
Terrifying Crash-Landing in Toronto
As the flight from Minneapolis approached Toronto, it skidded down the runway in flames. The aircraft then flipped over before coming to a stop upside down. Passengers expressed disbelief that most of them walked away without injuries.
The crash’s cause is under investigation. Experts have suggested that harsh winter conditions and a steep descent may have played a role.
Delta’s Compensation Offer
Delta announced that each passenger would receive $30,000 with no conditions attached. The airline clarified that accepting the payment would not impact passengers’ rights to any further claims.
Crew and Emergency Response Praised
The flight crew and emergency responders have been widely praised for their rapid response. Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, credited the airline’s strict safety protocols and the crew’s training for ensuring all passengers survived.
“The crew performed heroically, but also as expected,” Bastian told CBS News. He assured that Delta would continue supporting affected passengers.
Passenger Accounts of the Crash
Several passengers described the harrowing moments of impact. One recalled hearing “concrete and metal grinding together.” Another passenger described the eerie moment when they were left hanging upside down, comparing it to “bats in a cave.”
Investigation Underway
Canada’s Transportation Safety Board (TSB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from U.S. officials. The aircraft’s cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder have been recovered for analysis.
Recent Air Incidents Raise Concerns
This crash is the fourth major air incident in North America within three weeks. Just two days later, a small plane collision in Arizona resulted in two fatalities.
Despite these incidents, aviation experts emphasize that air travel remains one of the safest forms of transportation. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reassured the public that each incident was unique and did not indicate a broader safety issue.
Conclusion
While the cause of the crash is still unknown, Delta’s response has been swift, offering compensation and support to passengers. With investigations ongoing, safety experts continue to stress that flying remains statistically safer than most other forms of travel.
