Tokyo: In a startling turn of events, a Japan Airlines airplane erupted in flames on the runway at Tokyos Haneda Airport on Tuesday. Disturbing images broadcasted on NHK showed the aircraft with flames seemingly emanating from underneath, indicating a grave situation. The reported cause of the fire is a collision with a coast guard plane, as per AFP.Passengers safely evacuatedDespite the alarming visuals, Japanese media assures that all passengers aboard the aircraft managed to evacuate safely. With an estimated 400 passengers on board at the time of the incident, its a relief that no casualties have been reported. Video footage captured the plane taxiing on the runway with fire emerging from the side, later engulfing the area around the wing.A #Japan Airlines #airplane caught fire on the runway of Tokyos Haneda Airport.It seems that 2024 wont be a good year for Japan... pic.twitter.com/x6l7f6UMd8— 伯金 • Беркин • ברקין • Bеrkin (@B2RKN) January 2, 2024Coast Guard crew missingJapans coast guard reported that five of its crew members are currently missing following the collision with the passenger plane. However, the pilot successfully evacuated, adding a silver lining to the distressing situation.Swift response by firefightersAs the news unfolded, firefighters rushed to the scene, deploying water streams from pipes to battle the flames. The severity of the situation underscores the challenges faced by emergency response teams.#WATCH | A Japan Airlines jet was engulfed in flames at Tokyos Haneda airport after a possible collision with a Coast Guard aircraft, with the airline saying that all 379 passengers and crew had been safely evacuated: Reuters(Source: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/fohKUjk8U9— ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2024Investigating the collisionAFPs initial reports suggesting a collision with a plane from the countrys coast guard prompted officials to verify the information. The incident occurred at Haneda Airport, one of Japans busiest, further complicating matters during the holiday season when travel volumes are high.Amidst earthquake concernsThis incident follows a series of earthquakes that rattled Japan just a day before, with the strongest tremor measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale. Tsunami warnings were issued for Japans western coast, with waves predicted to reach up to 5 meters. The repercussions of the earthquake continue to reverberate, adding to the challenges faced by authorities.
