TOKYO, JAPAN – A tragic collision at Tokyo’s Haneda airport resulted in the deaths of five people and left over a dozen injured. The incident occurred when a Japan Airlines plane collided with a Japanese coastguard aircraft, causing the passenger jet to burst into flames upon landing.
The coastguard aircraft was on a mission to deliver aid to victims of a recent earthquake that had struck the country, claiming the lives of at least 48 people. As the passenger plane, carrying 379 individuals including eight children, attempted to land at the airport, smoke was seen billowing from beneath its wings. The situation quickly escalated as the plane became engulfed in flames, prompting a swift response from rescuers to evacuate all passengers.
Tragically, the collision resulted in the deaths of five coastguard crew members, while the pilot of the aircraft sustained serious injuries. Despite the chaos and panic that ensued, all 379 passengers and 12 crew members miraculously survived without life-threatening injuries.
As investigations into the incident were underway, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his condolences to the families of the coastguard crew members who lost their lives, praising their dedication to delivering aid to those affected by the earthquake. He assured the public that the disaster would not hinder ongoing relief efforts for the earthquake victims.
The collision at Tokyo’s Haneda airport serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by air travel and the swift action required to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. As authorities continue to investigate the incident, the focus remains on providing support to those impacted by the tragic events.