In a harrowing incident at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan, a plane carrying 367 passengers and 12 crew members burst into flames after colliding with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft during landing.
The dramatic scenes captured by NHK showed the Airbus navigating the runway before an explosion of orange flames erupted from beneath and behind the aircraft. All 367 passengers on board were successfully evacuated, alleviating fears of casualties.
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While the cause of the incident remains unclear, initial reports suggest a collision between the Airbus and a Coast Guard aircraft. The Airbus had recently arrived from Sapporo airport on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido.
A Coast Guard official at Haneda Airport, one of the world’s busiest, stated they were “checking details,” adding, “It’s not clear if there was a collision, but our plane is certainly involved,” according to AFP.
Television footage showcased flames billowing from the plane’s windows, with the nose grounded as rescue workers swiftly responded, dousing the aircraft with fire-suppressing agents. The runway bore witness to burning debris as emergency services mobilized over 70 fire engines, as reported by NHK.
Japan, known for its stringent safety measures, has not experienced a serious commercial aviation accident in decades. The country’s worst aviation disaster occurred in 1985 when a Japan Airlines jumbo jet en route from Tokyo to Osaka crashed in the central Gunma region, resulting in the tragic loss of 520 passengers and crew.
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This recent incident at Haneda Airport underscores the importance of a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision, as aviation authorities work to ensure the safety and security of air travel in Japan.
