In a miraculous event, Father Joal Bernales, a Catholic priest from the Philippines, survived a harrowing plane crash involving Delta Flight 4819 at Toronto Pearson Airport. The incident, which occurred on February 17, 2025, left passengers and crew members in shock but miraculously resulted in no fatalities. Father Bernales, en route to visit relatives in Canada, reflects on the experience with profound faith and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Harrowing Incident
Delta Flight 4819, originating from Minneapolis, faced a catastrophic landing at Toronto Pearson Airport’s Terminal 3. The aircraft skidded off the runway, overturned, and came to a halt upside down. Despite the severity of the crash, all 80 individuals on board, including four crew members, survived. Twenty-one passengers sustained injuries, with 19 released from medical care shortly thereafter.
Father Bernales’ Experience
Father Bernales recounted the terrifying moments during the crash, emphasizing the violent impact and subsequent chaos. He described the hard touchdown, the loss of balance, and the rapid sequence of events leading to the plane’s inversion. Amidst the turmoil, passengers exhibited remarkable humanity, checking on each other’s well-being despite their own fears and injuries.
A Miraculous Survival
Reflecting on the ordeal, Father Bernales attributes the survival of all on board to divine intervention. He believes that each person has a mission yet to be fulfilled, stating, “We still have a mission in life to finish.” This perspective has reinforced his faith and commitment to his spiritual duties.
Delta Airlines’ Response
In the aftermath of the crash, Delta Airlines has offered $30,000 to each passenger as compensation for the traumatic experience. The airline is also cooperating with aviation authorities to investigate the cause of the accident and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
The survival of all passengers and crew aboard Delta Flight 4819 stands as a testament to resilience, faith, and the human spirit’s capacity to find purpose amidst adversity. Father Bernales’ experience serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound belief in a higher purpose guiding our existence.
