TOKYO, Japan – A tragic collision between a passenger plane and a coastguard aircraft at Tokyo’s Haneda airport resulted in the death of five crew members and left a pilot seriously injured. The collision occurred after the Japan Airlines aircraft collided with the coastguard plane while landing. The Japan Airlines flight was en route to western Japan to assist those affected by a recent earthquake.
The incident led to the Japan Airlines Airbus A350 bursting into flames as it skidded down the tarmac at around 6 pm. Despite efforts by rescue crews, the aircraft was overwhelmed by the blaze. Fortunately, all 379 passengers and 12 crew members escaped unharmed. However, five members of the coastguard aircraft were tragically killed.
In a statement, Japan Airlines expressed regret for the collision and extended condolences to the deceased members of the Japan Coast Guard. The airline also assured full cooperation in the investigation of the incident. Rescue crews captured footage and images of passengers fleeing the smoke-filled cabin and evacuating the aircraft via an emergency slide.
The cause of the crash remains unclear, and authorities are investigating the incident. Although flights in and out of Tokyo Haneda were canceled for the remainder of the day, overnight flights from the UK were still continuing. The hope is that the airport’s runways could reopen by the following morning, allowing operations to resume as planned.
In conclusion, the tragic collision at Haneda airport showcases the unpredictable nature of air travel and serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by both passengers and crew members. The investigation into the cause of the incident will be crucial in preventing similar tragedies in the future.