TOKYO, JAPAN – A tragic incident took place at Haneda Airport on Tuesday, as a Japan Airlines plane burst into flames after landing, leading to the death of 5 individuals aboard a Coast Guard aircraft, according to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s office. The flight, JL516, was arriving from Chitose, Hokkaido, when it may have collided with the Japan Coast Guard plane during landing, reported Japanese broadcaster NHK. The aircraft landed at approximately 5:47 p.m. local time. There were 367 passengers and 12 crew members on board the flight, all of whom safely evacuated the plane following the landing, as per NHK. The Coast Guard aircraft, scheduled for a relief mission following an earthquake in Niigata, Japan, had 6 individuals on board, 5 of whom tragically lost their lives.
Live footage from the airport showed firefighters battling the blaze that engulfed the fuselage of the aircraft, as more than 70 firefighting vehicles responded to the scene. The fire continued to rage even two hours after the landing. The aircraft involved in the incident was an Airbus A350, according to flight tracker FlightAware. The tragic event underscores the risks and challenges faced in the aviation industry, shedding light on the importance of safety protocols and rigorous maintenance procedures. The investigation into the cause of the incident is underway, with authorities working to determine the sequence of events that led to the collision and subsequent fire.
This devastating event at Haneda Airport highlights the potential dangers that can arise in the aviation industry, emphasizing the need for continuous vigilance and adherence to safety measures. The tragic loss of life serves as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in air travel, prompting a thorough review of safety protocols and regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future. At this time, details surrounding the circumstances of the collision and the ensuing fire are still under investigation, as aviation authorities and relevant agencies work to establish a comprehensive understanding of the sequence of events that led to the tragic outcome. The incident draws attention to the critical importance of ensuring the highest standards of safety and maintenance in the aviation industry, to safeguard the lives of passengers and crew members on board commercial flights.