Dramatic Collision at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport: Japanese Airliner and Coast Guard Plane Engulfed in Flames
In a harrowing incident at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo, a Japanese airliner burst into flames following a collision with a Coast Guard aircraft. The drama unfolded on Tuesday, captured in a terrifying video by a passenger onboard the Japanese flight.
The burning plane at Tokyo Airport-Source: X
The video initially showed flames engulfing one of the wings of the Japanese airliner. As the situation escalated, thick smoke filled the cabin, accompanied by the panicked cries of passengers. The airliner, owned by Japan Airlines, had just landed at Haneda Airport from Sapporo in Hokkaido, North Japan.
WATCH: Inside the burning plane after collision at Tokyo Airport pic.twitter.com/nAR1UaJzg8
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Casualties and Rescue Efforts
While all 367 passengers of the Japanese airliner were safely evacuated, a tragic loss of life occurred on the Coast Guard plane, with five fatalities reported by Japan’s Transport Minister Tetsuo Saito. Footage aired by the NHK public broadcaster displayed the aircraft ablaze, with its structure split in two, as firefighters battled fiercely to contain the inferno.
Investigation and Response
The immediate cause of the crash remains unclear, although television reports suggest a collision between the civilian and Coast Guard aircraft. Over 70 fire engines were deployed to the scene, highlighting the scale of the emergency response.
This alarming event at Haneda Airport is a stark reminder of the potential dangers in aviation. The rapid response of emergency services and the successful evacuation of passengers averted a larger tragedy. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
