Delta Air Lines has announced a compensation of $30,000 (around £23,792) for each passenger on board a flight that crash-landed in Toronto on Monday. Fortunately, all passengers and crew survived the terrifying ordeal.
The flight, which had 76 passengers and 4 crew members, skidded across the runway in flames before flipping upside down. Remarkably, most passengers walked away unharmed. The incident occurred as the plane landed after a trip from Minneapolis, USA.
What Caused the Crash?
The exact cause is still under investigation, with Canada’s Transportation Safety Board (TSB) taking the lead, supported by US authorities. Experts speculate that harsh winter weather and a steep descent rate may have been contributing factors.
The flight crew’s actions were widely praised. Delta's CEO, Ed Bastian, credited the crew’s "heroic" response for ensuring all lives were saved. Emergency responders and the plane’s safety features also played key roles in avoiding fatalities.
Delta's Response and Passenger Experiences
Delta confirmed that the $30,000 offer comes with no conditions and does not affect passengers' legal rights. By Wednesday, 20 of the 21 hospitalized passengers had been discharged.
Passengers described the chaotic moments after the crash. One recalled hearing "concrete and metal" as the plane impacted the runway, while others were left hanging upside down "like bats" in their seats.
Broader Context of Air Travel Safety
This crash marked the fourth major air incident in North America in just three weeks. Shortly after, a separate crash in Arizona resulted in two fatalities after two small planes collided.
Despite recent events, aviation experts emphasize that air travel remains one of the safest transportation methods. US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy reassured travelers, stating that each incident was unique, with no underlying pattern suggesting broader safety issues.
Credit: Original article by James FitzGerald, BBC News.
