Following the alarming incident of Delta flight 4819 crash landing in Toronto on Monday, it is now the passengers that have faced some backlash from social media users.
The Bombardier CRJ 900 jet - carrying 76 passengers and four crew members - flipped onto its back after a harrowing crash landing in harsh winter conditions at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday afternoon.
The flight had originated from Minneapolis, US, and miraculously, everyone onboard survived.
However, as an investigation into the cause of the crash is underway, more and more videos and photos from passengers and witnesses have surfaced on social media.
And it is now the passengers who have come under fire after being spotted evacuating a crash-landed plane in Toronto while clutching personal belongings like backpacks, coats, and neck pillows — despite safety protocols urging them to leave everything behind.
‘Drop Everything!’—Passengers Ignore Emergency Instructions
Dramatic footage captured the moment the aircraft burst into flames, sending thick black smoke into the sky before ultimately flipping belly-up on the runway.
As chaos unfolded inside the cabin, passengers scrambled toward the exits, with crew members desperately urging them to evacuate quickly.
“Drop everything. Drop it,” a flight attendant could be heard shouting in one passenger-filmed video.
"Put that phone away," one crew member says.
Yet, in widely circulated videos, multiple passengers were seen ignoring these urgent commands, instead carrying bags, coats, and other personal items as they climbed out of the wreckage.
Aviation Experts and Crew Members ‘Horrified’
The images have sparked outrage online, particularly among aviation professionals, who slammed the behavior as reckless and dangerous.
“As cabin crew, I am absolutely horrified seeing people carrying their luggage and bags instead of evacuating immediately to save their lives,” one person wrote, per News.com.au.
“Literally, people grabbing their stuff is putting a second longer of you being in there if it blows up,” another critic warned.
“So many idiots in this emergency couldn’t resist grabbing their carry-on luggage before escaping,” someone else added.
Over on X (formerly Twitter), one person wrote: "Honestly cannot believe some people. If I was trying to escape from an upside down plane the last thing I’d be doing is trying to film it!!"
Another X user tweeted: "Bravo to the incredible flight crew. Here, you can hear the FA telling passengers to leave their personal belongings behind. There’s a reason for that. A very good one. Shame some people didn’t listen. But incredible work all the same. Calm & effective under pressure."
In an official passenger information video from Delta Air Lines, customers are told: "In the event of an ecaxuation, leave all bags behind. Carrying baggage will slow the evacuation."
The Deadly Risk of Carrying Bags in Emergencies
Experts have repeatedly warned that taking luggage during an evacuation delays escape and puts lives at risk.
Following the deadly Japan Airlines crash in Tokyo in January last year, Dr. Sonya Brown, a senior lecturer in aerospace design at the University of New South Wales, emphasized that leaving behind personal belongings was crucial to survival.
“We have the least chance of incidents if people aren’t carrying things,” Dr. Brown told SBS.
“Also, if someone picks up their bags, they could actually damage some of the emergency equipment—for example, the emergency inflatable slides.”
“So it is really important that people do leave their belongings behind.”
Update from Delta Air Lines
In an update shared to VT, spokesperson Grant Myatt said: "Delta teams continue to respond to Monday’s single-aircraft accident involving Delta Connection Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air.
"In total, 21 injured passengers were initially transported to local hospitals. As of Tuesday morning, 19 have been released.
“Our most pressing priority remains taking care of all customers and Endeavor crew members who were involved,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “We’ll do everything we can to support them and their families in the days ahead, and I know the hearts, thoughts and prayers of the entire Delta community are with them. We are grateful for all the first responders and medical teams who have been caring for them.”
"Delta’s incident response team deployed to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) Monday evening, including specially trained Delta Care Team representatives who provide support for customers, employees and their loved ones. Members of Endeavor Air’s leadership team are also on site to provide support and ensure full cooperation with investigators.
"Delta and Delta Connection flights have resumed at YYZ, however two Delta flights are operating with larger aircraft to allow for greater arrival and departure capacity Tuesday. A travel waiver remains in effect on Delta.com for YYZ customers for travel through Feb. 20.
"For the most current official information regarding Delta Flight 4819, visit news.delta.com and @DeltaNewsHub on X."