In a harrowing incident at Tokyo's Haneda airport, a Japan Airlines plane burst into flames following a collision with a smaller coastguard aircraft on the runway.
The intense situation unfolded as all 379 passengers and crew on board were successfully evacuated, but tragically, five of the six crew members on the coastguard plane lost their lives, with the captain sustaining injuries.
The dramatic scene saw the airliner engulfed in flames after landing, skidding along the blazing runway. Fire crews worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze. The affected flight had originated from Sapporo on the northern island of Hokkaido.
Japan Airlines Flight 516, which departed from Sapporo's New Chitose airport, experienced the fiery incident upon landing at Haneda shortly before 18:00 local time. Video footage captured the moment the plane burst into flames as it sped down the runway.
Passengers, shaken but unharmed, swiftly evacuated the aircraft via an emergency slide, navigating their way across the tarmac to safety. Despite the disruptive closure of all four runways at Haneda, air safety experts commended the crew for the successful evacuation.
The cause of the collision is yet to be determined, and air safety investigators are examining exchanges between the flight crew and controllers. The coastguard is also conducting an investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the collision.
A Japan Airlines statement acknowledged the collision, expressing condolences for the deceased coastguard members and assuring that all passengers and crew were safely evacuated.
The coastguard aircraft, identified as a De Havilland Dash 8 turboprop, was en route to assist with rescue efforts following a recent earthquake in Ishikawa. Tragically, it was one of four planes on a mission to the quake site.
Television footage depicted a significant emergency response at the scene, with fire trucks combating the flames and smoke billowing from the Airbus. The passenger plane ultimately suffered extensive damage.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed regret over the crew members' loss and emphasized efforts to ensure the accident would not impede earthquake relief supply deliveries. Emergency services reported at least 14 minor injuries among those evacuated from the Japan Airlines flight.
Haneda airport, a vital hub serving Japan's capital, experienced disruptions, with flights grounded and emergency services tackling the aftermath. The collision involving the A350 marked the first major incident for this new generation of aircraft, constructed with advanced materials like carbon fibre-reinforced plastic. Airbus is dispatching a team of specialists to assist in the investigation in Japan, while praise circulates for the commendable efforts of the Japan Airline crew and pilots in prioritizing passenger safety.
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