Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau slammed online for posting about hockey match shortly after a Delta plane incident occurred at Toronto airport, showing insensitivity.
The 53-year-old leader shared content on X about Canada’s victory over Finland in the 4 Nations tournament on Monday afternoon and during that time, Delta Flight 4819 crash-landed at Toronto Pearson Airport in severe weather conditions.
The incident, which resulted in minor injuries to 18 passengers, saw all 80 occupants miraculously survived after the aircraft overturned. The cause remains under investigation, Daily Mail reported.
Although the authorities handled the situation but PM Trudeau’s late acknowledgement pushed him into controversies.
Trudeau’s only acknowledgement of the incident came late Monday night when he shared Transport Minister Anita Anand’s statement: “I want to thank all the first responders and staff following today’s incident at Pearson Airport. My thoughts are with those injured and their families. We are supporting the ongoing investigation in any way we can.”
The outgoing Prime Minister, who announced his resignation last month, faced criticism for his delayed response. Social media users expressed disappointment, with comments highlighting his prioritisation of sports over the aviation incident.
One person posted: “There was a plane crash you know.” Another added: ‘Any words on the Delta plane crash @ Pearson International today?”
One other said: “Don’t you sympathize with the Canadians who suffered a plane crash today? Fortunately there were no deaths.” Another user commented: “A plane crash in Toronto and c***womble Trudeau is posting about a hockey game? Are you serious?!?!?!?”
This response further damaged Trudeau’s reputation, already diminished by public concerns over rising food costs, housing prices and immigration issues.
On Tuesday, new video footage revealed the Delta aircraft sliding on the icy runway at Toronto Pearson, showing flames erupting from beneath as it made contact with the ground. The footage shows Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Airlines for Delta, touching down before black smoke emerged from the aircraft.
