A Delta flight skidded off the runway at LaGuardia Airport and crashed into a fence as it attempted to touch down amid a swirl of snow on Thursday morning. Social media quickly lit up with reactions — including from startled passengers. Twenty-eight passengers were hurt, with five of them taken to hospital, the city's fire department said, adding that none of the injuries life threatening. The flight was carrying 132 passengers and crew.
Gail Grimmett, a senior vice president at Delta, said customers deplaned and were transported to the terminal on buses. "There was a fuel leak from one of the wings, but we cannot confirm any further details about that at this time," she said.
Instagram and Twitter user managed capture glimpses of the scary incident and its aftermath.
Photo credit: @kristinagrossmann
Photo credit: Andy Lopez
Photo credit: Dana Asadorian
Users jumped on Twitter to share their reactions and thoughts.
Larry Donnell, a tight end for the New York Giants, was on the plane. In a statement released by the team, he said he felt fine and was blessed to be safe.
“We were all shocked and alarmed when the plane started to skid, but most importantly, as far as I know, all of the passengers and flight crew were able to exit the plane safely,” he said.
A meteorologist for Canada's The Weather Network shared logs showing how difficult the weather was at LaGuardia.
Jaime Primak, star of Bravo's Jersey Belle, tweeted she was onboard the flight and after being initially scared she and other passengers managed to leave safely.
Delta tweeted about the incident with nuanced language.
