Delta Air Lines Offers $30,000 Compensation to Passengers of Overturned Plane in Toronto, Sparking Debate
According to a recent report by USA Today, Delta Air Lines has announced that each passenger aboard the regional jet that crash-landed and flipped at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week will receive $30,000 in compensation. The aircraft had 80 people on board, including crew members.
Delta emphasized that the payment is unconditional and does not affect passengers’ legal rights. Following the announcement, discussions erupted on social media, with users sharing mixed reactions.
Some appreciated the gesture, relieved that everyone survived the terrifying ordeal. One Facebook user wrote, “That’s a huge relief! $30K will definitely help after such a traumatic experience. Hope everyone is okay!” Meanwhile, a Reddit user joked, “Where do I sign up to survive a crash and get paid?”
However, many felt the amount was insufficient, considering the trauma endured. One commenter stated, “That’s too little for the PTSD they’ll suffer. Imagine thinking you’re about to die!” Another added, “They’ll need at least double that just to afford therapy.” Some even suggested Delta should offer $100,000, lifetime free flights, or full medical coverage. Others speculated that the payout might be an attempt to avoid larger legal settlements, with one remarking, “A class-action lawsuit would get them way more than $30K.”
Details of the Crash
The Bombardier CRJ900, operated by Endeavor Air, was attempting to land around 2:45 p.m. local time on Monday when it crashed, overturned, and broke apart. Despite the severity of the incident, all 76 passengers and four crew members survived. Eighteen people sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospitals. Experts credit the plane’s smaller size and the use of seat belts for preventing fatalities.
The cause of the crash is under investigation by Canada’s Transportation Safety Board, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. The accident is one of several high-profile aviation incidents in recent months.
Passenger Recounts Harrowing Experience
A Reddit user, who was aboard the Delta flight, shared a firsthand account of the crash and its aftermath. In a discussion thread, they wrote, “I was on the flight that crashed today in Toronto. I’m safe, just in shock at a hotel near the airport. Happy to share my experience—it helps to talk about it.”
When asked if they had to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), they responded, “No NDA, no real debrief. Even the first responders seemed shocked!”
The survivor detailed how the plane suddenly jolted before flipping over. They recalled an eerie orange glow on one side of the aircraft before it skidded across the runway, filling the cabin with screams and metal grinding noises. After the impact, there was a brief silence before passengers worked together to escape.
At that moment, the passenger admitted thinking, “Welp. I’m gonna die.” Sitting near the wing, they saw it snap off, followed by flames or sparks outside. Despite the fear, their thoughts were with their family.
They described the escape, noting that while one emergency exit was functional, another released jet fuel, making it unusable. The survivor, who has a military background, believed their training helped them remain calm. They focused on helping others evacuate, rather than panicking.
“I saw so many people acting selflessly, making sure everyone got out. I’m usually a pessimist, but this gave me a little more hope for humanity,” they reflected.