Tragic Collision at Haneda Airport : Japan plane
A devastating incident unfolded at Tokyo's Haneda Airport today, leaving five individuals dead and sparking a fire that engulfed a Japan Airlines (JAL) plane following a collision with a Coast Guard aircraft on the runway. Transport Minister Tetsuo Saito confirmed the casualties, revealing that the captain of the Coast Guard plane escaped while five others tragically lost their lives.
The collision occurred as the Japan Coast Guard investigated the possibility of their aircraft being involved in the incident. Initially, six crew members were unaccounted for, but five were later located, and the pilot successfully evacuated them.
Miraculously, all 379 passengers and crew aboard the Japan Airlines flight managed to escape the ensuing blaze, which erupted after the collision. Dramatic footage broadcast by NHK showcased the aircraft consumed by flames as rescue teams worked tirelessly to contain the fire.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida swiftly mobilized relevant agencies to assess the damage caused by this catastrophic event. Haneda Airport responded by shutting down all runways in the aftermath of the collision, as confirmed by a spokesperson.
The affected aircraft, identified as a Japan Airlines Airbus A-350, Flight 516, had departed from Shin Chitose Airport and was on the Haneda Airport runway when it was struck, reportedly by the Coast Guard aircraft. NHK footage depicted the distressing moment when the plane erupted in fire and smoke, ultimately becoming entirely engulfed in flames.
Amidst the chaos, there's a glimmer of relief: all 367 passengers, eight toddlers, and 12 crew members aboard the Japan Airlines flight were safely evacuated, according to an airline spokesperson.
This tragic incident has shaken the aviation community and prompted a swift response from the authorities. Investigations are underway to determine the sequence of events leading to the collision and subsequent fire. Haneda Airport remains closed as the aftermath of this heart-wrenching event continues to unfold.
