A Delta flight on Monday flipped over at a Toronto airport, but thanks to the aircraft’s design and the quick response of the crew, all 80 people on board were evacuated without major incident. The Bombardier CRJ900 jet, which carried 18 passengers with minor to moderate injuries, was designed to withstand tipping over, with seats that can absorb impacts up to 16 times gravity.
Experts say the small size of the plane cushioned the impact and seatbelts likely minimized injuries. “It’s a horrible rollercoaster,” said Arnold Barnett, an aviation safety expert. However, he noted that the risk of serious injury was relatively low due to the plane’s size and seating arrangement.
The flight crew’s swift response and evacuation procedures are also being praised for their role in saving lives. Fire experts emphasize the importance of fire safety during emergency evacuations, as a recent South Korean disaster highlighted the dangers of uncontrolled fires on aircraft.
Seatbelt expert Mike Shertz advises passengers to fasten their seatbelts snugly before takeoff, as sudden stops or movements can shift them forward and lead to injury. His advice is echoed by the pilots who ensured a quick and orderly exit from the plane, thanks to rigorous training in emergency situations.
The Toronto Airport’s emergency response team was commended for their swift action and effective response to the incident. “It’s a miracle that there were no fatalities,” said Hassan Shahidi, president of the Flight Safety Foundation. As airline passengers continue to travel by air, they can learn valuable lessons from this remarkable escape, including the importance of seatbelts, crew training, and emergency preparedness.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/02/17/toronto-flight-flipped-evacuation-experts/78993650007