In a shocking and unprecedented incident at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, a Japan Coast Guard aircraft collided with a Japan Airlines (JAL) passenger plane on the ground, resulting in a fiery disaster. This terrifying event occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, plunging the airport into chaos and fear.

Tragic Loss of Lives:

While all 379 passengers and crew aboard the JAL plane, which burst into flames, were miraculously evacuated safely, the incident was not without tragedy. Five of the six crew members from the smaller coast guard plane, which was bound for central Japan following Monday’s massive earthquake, perished in the collision. The captain, although injured, survived the horrific event.

Dramatic Scenes Captured on Social Media:

Television and social media platforms were flooded with shocking footage of the JAL airliner engulfed in orange flames and black smoke. Videos showed passengers sliding down emergency slides, desperately escaping the inferno that once was their aircraft.

Desperate Fight Against the Blaze:

Despite the valiant efforts of the emergency responders and dozens of fire engines, the blaze rapidly consumed the entire aircraft, an Airbus 350, which had arrived from New Chitose Airport serving Sapporo. The passengers, including eight children, recounted harrowing experiences of smoke and escalating heat inside the plane.

Sense of Mission Amidst Tragedy:

The coast guard plane was on a mission to deliver supplies to Ishikawa prefecture, an area affected by the devastating New Year’s Day earthquake. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida paid tribute to the deceased crew members, acknowledging their commitment to aiding quake victims.

Investigations Underway:

JAL reported that the collision occurred either on a runway or a taxiway after the airliner landed. Haneda Airport, one of the world’s busiest, suspended domestic flights following the incident, though most international flights continued. The transport ministry official stated that investigations, including communication with air traffic control, were ongoing.

  Haneda airport, Japan, Japan Airlines, Japan Coast Guard, Tokyo