On social media, many viewers were stunned after a viral video captured passengers being criticized for grabbing luggage after the Delta plane crash at Toronto Pearson Airport.
Passengers who escaped the Delta Airlines crash in Toronto are facing criticism for prioritizing their carry-on luggage over safety.
The aircraft flipped upside-down while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 17.
Despite the chaos, all 80 people on board survived, with 18 sustaining minor injuries.
Passengers seen carrying luggage despite emergency protocols
During the evacuation, several passengers were spotted carrying backpacks and personal items. Photos and videos showed people standing on the icy runway with bags, jackets, and even neck pillows.
Airline safety procedures instruct passengers to leave belongings behind during an emergency.
This ensures a faster evacuation and reduces risks. However, many travelers ignored this rule.
Social media backlash over ‘selfish’ behavior
Footage of passengers’ ‘selfish’ behavior after the Delta plane crash at Toronto Pearson Airport quickly went viral, sparking debate on social media, while many users expressed frustration.
One person said: That plane is upside down, and yet he still has his f***ing hand baggage.
A second wrote: So many idiots in this emergency couldn’t resist grabbing their carry-on luggage before escaping.
While a third commented: NEVER EVER take your bag as you’re evacuating,” one user warned. “It could be the difference between life and death.
Someone else said: Glad everyone got out ok, but WTF is going on here with these flights?!
Another added: Climate changed = freezing temperature and slippery run aways
Survivor describes the terrifying moments inside the flipped plane
Pete Koukov, a professional skier from Colorado, was among the passengers. He shared his experience in an interview with NBC’s Today Show.
“We were hanging upside down for about a minute,” Koukov recalled. “There were sparks and flames after the plane flipped.”
He described the confusion inside the cabin. “People were feeling frantic, but miraculously, everyone managed to escape.”
Koukov also filmed the evacuation. His video showed passengers climbing out while smoke billowed from the wreckage. Firefighters sprayed water on the overturned aircraft as passengers rushed to safety.
Canadian authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash.
Initial reports suggest strong winds may have destabilized the plane during landing.
Former National Transportation Safety Board director Peter Goelz told CNN that a sudden gust may have caused the aircraft to tip over. This led to wing damage and a fire in the fuel cells.
Eighteen passengers received medical attention. While, a four-year-old, the youngest passenger, was taken to The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Two adults were airlifted to trauma centers.
The Delta Airlines crash ended without fatalities, but it raised concerns about passenger behavior during emergencies. Safety experts continue to stress the importance of leaving luggage behind during evacuations.
What do you think about this incident?