Plane Bursts into Flames at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport
In a shocking incident at Tokyo’s Haneda airport, a commercial aircraft caught fire on the runway after reportedly colliding with another plane. The Japanese coast guard confirmed that the pilot of the aircraft managed to escape, but unfortunately, five crew members lost their lives in the tragic incident.
Plane Collision and Evacuation
The incident occurred when the plane landed at approximately 5:47 p.m. local time, possibly striking a Japanese coast guard plane. NHK TV reported that all 367 passengers and 12 crew members aboard Japan Airlines flight JAL-516 were able to evacuate safely before the flames engulfed the entire aircraft. However, the Japanese coast guard reported that the five crew members on their plane were found deceased.
Dramatic Scenes and Aircraft Details
Videos captured the terrifying moment when flames and smoke erupted from the side of the Japan Airlines plane as it taxied on the runway. The fire quickly spread to the wing area, eventually consuming the entire aircraft. The plane involved in the incident was identified as an Airbus A-350 that had flown from Shin Chitose airport near Sapporo to Haneda.
Collision Confirmation and Passenger Account
Coast Guard spokesperson Yoshinori Yanagishima confirmed that a collision had indeed taken place between the passenger plane and their flight MA-722, a Bombardier Dash-8. Anton Deibe, a 17-year-old passenger on the Japan Airlines flight, described the chaos inside the cabin as smoke filled the air within minutes. Passengers threw themselves to the floor and eventually managed to escape through emergency doors. Deibe, who was traveling with his family, expressed the chaotic nature of the situation and the stinging sensation caused by the smoke.
Response and Relief Mission
Live footage from Haneda airport showed firefighters battling the flames that had engulfed the fuselage of the aircraft. The coast guard plane, which was stationed at Haneda, had been scheduled to deliver relief supplies to Niigata, an area affected by a recent deadly earthquake. The earthquake claimed the lives of at least 48 people.
Conclusion
Haneda airport, one of Japan’s busiest airports, witnessed this tragic incident that unfolded before the New Year holidays. The investigation into the collision and subsequent fire is ongoing as authorities work to determine the cause of the accident. Our thoughts go out to the families and loved ones of the crew members who lost their lives in this devastating event.
