In a harrowing incident that unfolded at Tokyo’s Haneda airport, a Japan Airlines flight connecting Sapporo to the capital burst into flames after colliding with a Coast Guard plane, resulting in one of Japan’s worst aviation accidents. The Airbus A350, carrying 379 passengers and crew members, erupted into a fireball, claiming the lives of five Coast Guard crew members.
Collision and Investigation
The collision occurred immediately after the Airbus A350 landed at 5:46 pm, despite having received landing clearance. Japanese investigators are now urgently seeking answers to understand how the Coast Guard plane nearly collided with the passenger jet in what has become a tragic chapter in the country’s aviation history.
Miraculous Escape
What followed the collision has been described as nothing short of miraculous. All 379 passengers and crew members managed to escape the engulfed aircraft unharmed. Reports suggest that the captain of the Airbus A350 likely couldn’t see the smaller Coast Guard plane below, leading to the collision. Authorities are investigating the unusual circumstances surrounding the crash.
Extraordinary Evacuation
Despite the severity of the situation, the evacuation and rescue operations were nothing short of extraordinary. A Reuters report highlights the actions of Genki Miyamoto, the 39-year-old captain of the Coast Guard plane, who managed to escape the wreckage and radio his base, reporting the explosion on the runway.
As the passenger jet’s cabin filled with smoke, the response of the crew and the efficiency of the evacuation procedures prevented what could have been a catastrophic outcome. Video footage captured by Reuters shows passengers shouting for help and a child screaming for the doors to be opened. Tsubasa Sawada, a 28-year-old Tokyo resident, recalled his initial fear when the fire started but commended the crew for swiftly deploying evacuation chutes, ensuring an orderly exit for passengers.
Survivor Accounts
Satoshi Yamake, a 59-year-old telecoms sector worker onboard, shared his experience of the terrifying moment when flames engulfed the aircraft after landing. Despite the initial panic, the passengers and crew managed to escape unharmed.
The incident underscores the critical role played by the crew and the effectiveness of emergency procedures in averting a potential disaster. Japanese aviation authorities are now focused on unraveling the events leading to the collision and ensuring a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident.
photo credit : AFP
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