A Reddit user who was one of the passengers on the Delta plane that recently crashed in Toronto has recounted their experience. This comes at the same time that another passenger spoke to CNN about the incident.

Earlier today, February 17, 2025, an individual who was one of the 80 people onboard the Delta plane that crashed at Toronto Pearson International Airport took to Reddit to reveal what happened. Via a thread, where they also answered questions from other users, the passenger detailed how terrifying the incident was.

“I was on the flight that crashed today in Toronto […] I’m safe, healthy and only slightly in shock at a hotel near the airport. Happy to share my experience, insight and..whatever else. Its nice to talk through trauma. Indulge me 😅 [sic],” began the user.

The person was then asked whether or not they had to sign any non-disclosure agreement (NDA) in order to speak on what happened and what it felt like once the plane stopped after it crashed.

They were also asked about the duration the passengers were upside down and the time it took for evacuation.

In response to all these questions, the passenger answered, “No NDA, no real debrief. I think the local responders were as shocked as we were with the incident! One paramedic I asked said the last time something on this scale happened was ~20 years ago with Air France.”

They continued, “We weren’t upside down long. Near my row, we all made sure to get each other down before head rush happened. After it happened, most people were fairly quiet. No one knew what to do or say. I was finally free of the airport around 10pm local time and am still trying to calm down enough to sleep 🤣 [sic].”

The user went on to describe the chaotic scene, the overwhelming fear, and the collective effort to ensure everyone’s safety. They recalled sensing turbulence right before landing, which was followed by a sudden jolt as the aircraft seemed to become airborne again.

“The world tilted, and an orange glow ignited on the right side of the aircraft. I remember it was fairly dark apart from that glow,” they wrote, describing the terrifying moment of impact.

Screams filled the cabin as the metal screeched against the concrete, but once the plane came to a stop, there was an eerie silence before passengers sprang into action to assess the situation and evacuate.

The passenger’s immediate thought during the crash was grim. “WELP. I’m gonna die,” they penned. Sitting in an aisle seat above the wing, they saw the aircraft’s wings snap off and flames or sparks erupt outside. Despite the panic, they noted that they didn’t experience a dramatic “life flashing before my eyes” moment—just thoughts of their family.

As the plane flipped, landing upside down, passengers inside had to release themselves and assist those still strapped in before making their escape. “The tail section must have ripped off during the turn as well..i [sic] remember seeing it near one of the wings. Seems weird to speak about it like some very distant memory but that’s how it feels!” recounted the passenger.

Fortunately, one emergency exit remained viable, while another was rendered useless as it spewed jet fuel when opened.

Having a military background, the survivor speculated that their training might have influenced their reaction. Instead of panic, they focused on ensuring everyone got out safely. “I saw so many people acting selflessly, comforting one another, and making sure we all made it out. I’m a pessimist, but this did give me a little more hope for humanity 😀,” they reflected.

Like the Reddit user, a man named John Nelson, who was also aboard the Delta plane when it crashed, recounted the incident. He did so during an interview with CNN.

Nelson started by noting how, initially, things appeared typical. “We were coming in and I did notice that like, the winds were super gusty, the snow had kind of blown over the runways and so coming in, it just uhm, it was routine but like, it was noticeable that the runways were kind of in a weird condition,” Nelson then explained.

The witness went on to recount how when the plane hit the ground hard it “went sideways,” adding, “I believe we skidded on our side and then flipped over on our back. Where we ended up, there was like a big fireball on the left side of the plane.”

Nelson, who was visibly stirred while giving the interview, noted how when the plane stopped moving, he and all the other passengers were upside down in their seats.

“Thankfully, everybody was ok, but we tried to get out of there as quickly as possible,” said Nelson. He also mentioned how, shortly after he had filmed a video of the plane after it crashed, which he posted on Facebook, there was another explosion.

However, as luck would have it, firefighters were there to combat the flames. After being asked where he was seated on the plane, Nelson said he was in row 10, which he noted was situated by the front of the wing.

The reporter then asked Nelson how he got himself out of his seatbelt and if all the other passengers stayed in theirs.

He answered, “Yeah, I mean it was mass chaos. I was upside down, the lady next to me was upside down. We kind of let ourselves go and fell to hit the ceiling, which is a surreal feeling, and then everybody was just like, ‘Get out, get out, get out!’ We could smell jet fuel, even now I smell like jet fuel.”

Nelson then explained how the passengers crawled out of the back of the aircraft, where they immediately saw firefighters and EMTs. The passenger also confirmed that there were injuries as a result of the chaotic crash. At a later point in the interview, the reporter asked Nelson how he has been feeling since the crash.

“Stressed, nervous, shaky still,” he disclosed. Confirming his disposition, the interviewer made it a point to note that she could clearly see this was the case. “Yeah, a lot of stress. it’s amazing that we’re still here,” added Nelson.

Other details discussed during the interview include Nelson recalling how intense and scary the moment was. “It happened so fast that I just remember like, kind of pulling myself in and trying not to hit my head against anything and luckily, our flight attendants and everything were helpful for us,” he shared.

Regarding his perspective on the potential reason the plane flipped over, Nelson clarified that he doesn’t know, noting, “I don’t know. I’m no expert on that one. I will let them figure it out. It feels like snow, wind, hard landing, all of it together.” He also shared that he will be seeing his family tomorrow.

Upon seeing the video Nelson shared on Facebook of the Delta plane lying upside down in snow after it crashed, social media users took to the comment section to express their shock. “Omg!! So scary!!” exclaimed a Facebooker, while another echoed, “Wow that is crazy scary! Glad you and everyone is [sic] safe!”

A particularly emotional commenter penned, “John, are you kidding me?!? Unreal! I saw your post this morning about all the travel coming up. This is traumatizing, I’m so sorry you are dealing with this!”

Such comments poured in from people who continued to express concern and gratitude to learn of Nelson and the other passengers’ safety. One user also revealed how shaken she is even as someone who has never had a fear of flying.“Eek! Positive thoughts to you. 💙 . How absolutely terrifying!! I’m hearing there are multiple injuries,” said someone else.

A spectator commented, “Wow! I hope your [sic] ok!” while another chimed in with, “This is unreal. Glad everyone seems to [sic] okay. 😲.” “Scary stuff lately. Too many accidents in a short amount of time,” observed a netizen. Meanwhile, another asked, “Is this real? Upside down? Where are the wings?”