Tokyo airport plane fire: 5 dead in collision with coast guard jet
PTC News Desk: Amid a harrowing incident, all 379 passengers and crew members aboard a Japan Airlines plane narrowly evaded a potentially catastrophic fire that ignited following a collision with a smaller Coast Guard aircraft. The severity of the situation was vividly captured by public broadcaster NHK, showcasing the aircraft engulfed in flames as rescue teams mobilized to contain the escalating blaze.
Reacting swiftly to the alarming circumstances, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida directed pertinent agencies to promptly collaborate and conduct an expeditious assessment of the extent of damage, as communicated by his office.
Amidst a harrowing incident, all 379 passengers and crew members on board a Japan Airlines plane narrowly escaped a catastrophic fire following a collision with a smaller Japan Coast Guard aircraft. The scene unfolded at Tokyo's Haneda airport, depicted vividly by public broadcaster NHK, as flames engulfed the aircraft while rescue teams rushed to contain the blaze.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida swiftly mobilized relevant agencies to expedite damage assessment in response to the alarming situation.
Japan Coast Guard's Investigation: The Japan Coast Guard initiated an investigation into the potential collision between one of its aircraft and the passenger jet. Initially, five out of the six unaccounted-for crew members of the coast guard aircraft were later located, as reported by NHK citing Reuters. The pilot of the coast guard aircraft had been successfully evacuated.
Details of the Incident: The Airbus A-350, operating as JAL flight 516 from Shin Chitose airport, erupted into flames upon landing at Haneda airport. Reports indicate that the plane was struck by another aircraft, potentially a Japan Coast Guard plane, after landing.
NHK footage captured the distressing moment as the Japan Airlines plane taxied on the runway, experiencing significant eruptions of fire and smoke. The intensity escalated rapidly, with the aircraft becoming entirely consumed by flames.
Passenger Safety Measures: Thankfully, all 367 passengers, along with eight toddlers and 12 crew members, were swiftly and safely evacuated from the plane, according to a spokesperson from the airline, as reported by Bloomberg. In response to the alarming incident, Haneda airport suspended all runway operations.
-
