We are very grateful that no lives were lost and that the damage was relatively small (i.e. personal injuries) otherwise, says Deborah Flint, head of airports in the Toronto region to reporters.
The accident occurred when the Delta Airlines aircraft of the CRJ-900LR type, from Minneapolis to Toronto, went down for landing at the airport at 2 pm local time. It is possible that winds and snowstorm may have played a role, but the cause of the accident is not yet clear. In a recording from the control tower, the pilots were warned that winds could make the approach and landing a bit bumpy.
After the crash, it was established that the plane had lost a wing on the right side. The plane ended up upside down on the runway and some passengers on board got out and were seen walking around the plane directly after the crash.
Initially, it was unclear how many were injured, but according to the latest information, 17 people were injured. Three of them, including a child, were taken to hospital for treatment.
There were 76 passengers and four crew members on board.