Television reports revealed a distressing scene at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport as a Japan Airlines plane erupted in flames on the runway, seemingly colliding with a coast guard aircraft.
As reported by AFP, images broadcasted on NHK depicted the aircraft moving along the runway before a burst of orange flames erupted from beneath and behind the plane.
All 367 passengers aboard the Airbus were safely evacuated, according to NHK.
Although the cause of the incident remained unclear, initial reports suggested an Airbus collision with a Coast Guard aircraft.
The affected plane had recently landed at Haneda Airport from Sapporo airport on Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island.
A Coast Guard official at the bustling Haneda Airport stated they were “checking details,” expressing uncertainty regarding the collision but confirming their aircraft’s involvement, reported AFP.
Television footage captured flames emerging from windows, the plane’s nose grounded, and rescue teams showering it with sprays. Burning debris littered the runway.
NHK reported the deployment of over 70 fire engines to manage the situation.
Japan has notably avoided severe commercial aviation accidents for decades.
One of its worst tragedies occurred in 1985 when a JAL jumbo jet flying from Tokyo to Osaka crashed in Gunma, resulting in the deaths of 520 passengers and crew, marking one of the deadliest single-flight plane crashes in history.
