Japan Airlines plane catches fire after colliding with coast guard aircraft at Tokyo’s Haneda airport
Japan Airlines plane catches fire
A catastrophic incident unfolded at Haneda Airport as a Japan Airlines (JAL) passenger plane caught fire upon landing after colliding with a coast guard aircraft. The collision resulted in the unfortunate loss of five lives, including crew members of the coast guard plane. Prompt action allowed all 379 passengers and crew members aboard the JAL flight to safely evacuate.
Transport Minister Tetsuo Saito confirmed during a news conference that all individuals on board the JAL flight had successfully evacuated the aircraft. However, he expressed deep sorrow over the loss of five crew members from the coast guard aircraft. The coast guard pilot managed to escape the collision unharmed.
The coast guard aircraft was on route to Niigata prefecture, intending to provide earthquake relief following a series of strong tremors that claimed the lives of at least 48 people and caused extensive damage. Saito stated that the cause of the accident remains unknown, and investigations are underway to determine the factors contributing to the collision.
The dramatic footage captured by the Japanese public broadcaster NHK revealed the horrifying scene as plumes of orange fire and black smoke engulfed the passenger jet upon landing at Haneda Airport. Initially, the fire appeared to be concentrated on the side of the plane and around the wing while it taxied on the runway.
However, the flames quickly spread to the cabin, prompting immediate action by rescue crews on the tarmac. Approximately 70 firetrucks and other emergency vehicles were deployed by the local fire department to extinguish the fire.
Shigenori Hiraoka, Director General of the Ministry’s Civil Aviation Bureau, confirmed that the collision occurred when the JAL plane, an Airbus A350, entered the runway from the south for landing and crashed into the coast guard aircraft. A joint news conference with coast guard officials emphasized the immediate initiation of an investigation by the Transport Safety Board.
Passengers on board the Japan Airlines flight described a harrowing experience, with smoke rapidly filling the cabin. Anton Deibe, a 17-year-old Swedish passenger, recounted the chaos, stating that they threw themselves on the floor and rushed towards the emergency exits as soon as they were opened. The stinging smoke created a sense of panic and confusion among the passengers.
Japan Airlines, currently in the process of interviewing the crew, expressed their commitment to the ongoing investigation and the provision of support to those affected by the incident.
Following the incident, all runways at Haneda Airport were temporarily closed. However, operations gradually resumed after several hours, with flights departing and arriving as scheduled.
Yoshio Seguchi, an official from the coast guard, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. He described the loss of their employee as a matter of the utmost regret and extended his deepest sympathies.
As the investigation progresses, authorities will work diligently to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision and establish measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Also, the aviation industry will closely analyze the findings to enhance safety protocols, ensuring the well-being of passengers and crew remains paramount.
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
