In a devastating incident today, a Coast Guard DHC-8-315Q plane collided with a Japan Airlines aircraft, leaving five of the six occupants dead, news agency AP quoted Japanese media NHK. The Japan Airlines plane erupted in flames post-collision, prompting the evacuation of all 379 individuals on board, including eight children and 12 crew members.
The Airbus plane, arriving from Sapporo airport on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, suffered severe damage in the collision. At Haneda Airport, one of the world's busiest, a coast guard official stated they are currently "checking details" as the investigation unfolds.
The collision occurred just a day after a powerful earthquake ravaged central Japan, claiming at least 30 lives and disrupting power to tens of thousands of homes. The Jiji news agency revealed that the coast guard plane was slated to assist in rescue efforts following the earthquake.
Dramatic scenes unfolded as the Japan Airlines plane, carrying 379 passengers, including eight children and 12 crew members, was seen moving along the runway before a large explosion of orange flames erupted from beneath and behind it. Prompt evacuation measures were taken to ensure the safety of all on board.
The ill-fated coast guard plane had just arrived from Sapporo airport on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. An official at Haneda Airport, one of the world's busiest, stated they are currently "checking details" as investigations into the incident are underway.
In the wake of the collision, all runways at Haneda Airport have been closed, marking a significant disruption to air traffic. Japan, known for its strong aviation safety record, has not experienced a serious commercial aviation accident in decades. The most tragic incident dates back to 1985, when a JAL jumbo jet crashed in central Gunma region, resulting in the loss of 520 lives—one of the world's deadliest plane crashes involving a single flight.
Also read | Japan Airlines plane with reportedly 379 on board catches fire at Tokyo's Haneda airport I VIDEO
