Delta Offers $30,000 to Passengers After Toronto Plane Crash
Delta Air Lines is giving $30,000 to each passenger on a flight that crash-landed in Toronto earlier this week, according to the BBC. All 76 passengers and four crew members survived the terrifying incident, which saw the plane skid off the runway, catch fire, and flip upside down.
Despite the dramatic crash, most passengers walked away unharmed, though some were treated for injuries.
The BBC reports that Delta’s payment is meant to help passengers with immediate expenses and comes with no conditions.
However, the airline may deduct this amount from any future compensation claims. This type of payment isn’t new—Asiana Airlines offered similar compensation after a 2013 crash in San Francisco, and Alaska Airlines did the same last year following a mid-air emergency.
Passengers described the crash as a “very forceful event,” with one recalling the sound of “concrete and metal” during impact.
Another said they were left hanging upside down in their seats “like bats.” Despite the chaos, the crew and emergency responders were praised for their quick actions in evacuating everyone safely.
Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, told CBS News that the crew “performed heroically,” as safety is a top priority for the airline.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but experts told the BBC that harsh winter weather and a rapid descent may have played a role. Canada’s Transportation Safety Board (TSB) is leading the investigation, with support from U.S. officials.
The plane’s cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder have been recovered, which should help clarify what went wrong.
While this crash is one of several recent air incidents in North America, experts emphasize that air travel remains one of the safest forms of transportation. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy told CBS that each incident is unique and not part of a larger pattern.
For now, Delta is focused on supporting the passengers and crew. All 21 passengers taken to the hospital have been released, and the airline is working to ensure those affected receive the care they need.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in aviation—and the resilience of those who survive such harrowing events.
The BBC highlights that while the $30,000 payment is a gesture of goodwill, it may not cover all the long-term needs of passengers, especially those with serious injuries.
A Toronto law firm, Rochon Genova, has already been hired by some passengers to seek further compensation.
As the investigation continues, the world will be watching to see what lessons can be learned from this near-tragedy.
Credit: BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg5d6dq44e7o