18 Injured When Delta Plane Flips Upside Down
On the heels of the American Airlines plane crash in Washington D.C.’s Reagan National Airport less than three weeks ago, it’s hard to believe another airplane from another major airline has crashed.
This time, Delta Airlines suffered a crash while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Perhaps more dramatically, it didn’t just falter and crash; it flipped upside down, leaving people suspended in the air “like bats,” according to one passenger.
What Went Wrong?
Although we don’t have any final reports yet, it seems there was a combination of factors that led to this dramatic turn of events. High winds were reported that day, as well as a snowy tarmac. It’s possible that, between the combination of both elements, the plane didn’t properly touch down before the winds blew it on its side.
As it tipped over, one of the wings tore off, allowing it to flip upside down. CNN’s safety analyst and former Federal Aviation Administration safety inspector said you actually want the wing to break away the way it did. So, in a way, it was a textbook crash. Had it not torn off, it ran the risk of tearing the fuselage in half, which would’ve been far more catastrophic.
How Many People Were Injured
Thankfully, no deaths have been reported. But, 18 of the 80 people on board were injured – including a child. That said, everyone is believed to be in good condition at this time with no critical injuries reported.
Regarding seat belts, the truth is, things would’ve been far worse if people weren’t buckled safely into their seats. Being suspended form the air “like a bat” is a much better outcome than being flung through the fuselage. It’s a harrowing reminder to always keep our seat belts fastened until we’re told otherwise.
A Textbook Response
Toronto Airport’s CEO described the first responders’ actions as textbook. They arrived onsite quickly and immediately evacuated everyone from the plane. She credits their actions, in part, for the fact that there was no loss of life. Throughout the course of the next few days, two runways will remain closed as a thorough investigation gets underway.
A String of Recent Crashes
Unfortunately, this scary incident comes on the heels of an American Airlines crash with a U.S. Army Black Hawk Helicopter at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. – as well as the deadly Jeju Air and Azerbaijan Airlines accidents in December.
The Jeju Air accident was the deadliest air disaster to ever take place in South Korea, killing all but two of the 181 passengers and crew members on board. As for the Azerbaijan incident in Kazakhstan, at least 38 of the 67 people on board were killed in the crash, including a flight attendant and two pilots.
Should We Be Worried?
To no surprise, this begs the question, “Is airplane travel even safe anymore?” Experts have come out through a host of online sources, stating that there’s no cause for alarm. Air travel remains safer than traveling by car or train.
The National Safety Council maintains that Americans have a 1-in-93 chance of dying in a car accident while deaths on board an airplane are so rare, the odds can’t even be calculated.
Stay with us as we continue to monitor breaking news stories like this. Our goal is to help you get out there and live your best life, while remaining informed and – most importantly – safe. Keep coming back for more of the latest stories but, remember, don’t let this deter you from getting out there and exploring this great, big world.