A Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport crashed when it overturned upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday, causing panic among air traffic controllers and passengers.
Audio tapes from air traffic control (ATC) captured the initial pandemonium after the crash. "This airplane just crashed," one controller was overheard saying. A few moments later, a second transmission indicated the gravity of the situation with the words, "The aircraft is upside down and burning."
The videos also recorded people getting off the plane and emergency personnel rushing to the scene.
Emergency response and evacuation of passengers
Officials confirmed that Endeavor Air Flight 4819, which is a Delta Air Lines subsidiary, had 80 passengers and four crew members aboard when the incident occurred.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Delta Air Lines reported that all passengers were evacuated successfully. Emergency medical services, however, rushed a number of injured people to local hospitals.
Several injuries reported; investigation underway
CBS News reported that regional paramedics verified that one child and two adults received serious injuries, and several others had minor to moderate injuries. Delta subsequently reported that 18 passengers were hospitalised after the crash.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has assumed responsibility for investigating to identify the cause of the accident. FAA is also helping in the investigation with officials from the airline.
Further information is yet to come as authorities press on with the investigation into the stunning runway crash at Canada's busiest airport.