Japan airlines plane on fire at Haneda Airport, Tokyo
TOKYO, JAPAN - Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024 - A Japan Airlines passenger plane carrying 379 passengers and crew erupted in flames this afternoon after a jarring collision on the runway at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. Thankfully, all passengers and crew were safely evacuated, with only minor injuries reported.
The incident was unfolded at approximately 2:30 PM JST, amidst busy holiday travel. The incident was about to happen at 6:07am as was seen on a cctv footage at Haneda Airport, Tokyo. According to initial reports, the Japan Airlines Boeing 777, preparing for takeoff on a domestic flight, clipped the wing of a Japan Coast Guard turboprop while taxiing. The impact caused a fuel leak and sparked a fire, which quickly engulfed the passenger aircraft's wing.
Emergency crews responded swiftly, dousing the flames and initiating a rapid evacuation protocol. Passengers and crew disembarked the plane onto the runway using emergency slides, with paramedics attending to those with minor cuts and bruises. The cause of the collision is still under investigation, with authorities tight-lipped until a thorough assessment is completed.
"It was absolutely terrifying," recounted Emily Tanaka, a passenger aboard the JAL flight. "Suddenly, we felt a jolt, and then everything filled with smoke. The crew was amazing, though, directing us out calmly and quickly."
The incident caused major disruptions at Haneda Airport, with numerous flights delayed or cancelled. The affected runway remains closed, prompting airport authorities to reroute incoming and outgoing traffic. The extent of damage to the passenger plane and the Coast Guard aircraft is still being evaluated.
This mid-runway collision has shaken the aviation community in Japan, raising concerns about safety measures at one of the world's busiest airports. While Japan boasts an exemplary air safety record, the incident underscores the importance of vigilance and strict adherence to protocols to prevent such catastrophes.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on the swift response of emergency crews and the fortunate absence of serious injuries. This near-tragedy at Haneda Airport serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between efficiency and safety in the complex world of air travel.
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