TOKYO - Five members of the Japan Coast Guard have been confirmed dead following a collision with a Japan Airlines passenger aircraft at Haneda Airport in Tokyo.
The accident occurred when JAL Flight 516, traveling from New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, collided with the Coast Guard aircraft immediately after landing at around 6 P.M. on Tuesday.
The Coast Guard reported that there were six people aboard its plane, with the pilot being the sole survivor, albeit seriously injured. The JAL aircraft was engulfed in flames following the collision, prompting the deployment of over 100 firetrucks and 63 other vehicles, including units from the Tokyo Fire Department, to extinguish the fire. The scene was a harrowing spectacle of white smoke and sparks, as captured in social media footage posted by a JAL passenger.
Inside the JAL aircraft, chaos ensued as passengers scrambled to escape as smoke filled the cabin. The crew informed passengers that only the front exit was available for evacuation, as the center and rear doors could not be opened. All 379 people on board, including 8 children and 12 crew members, were successfully evacuated. However, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department reported that at least 17 individuals on the JAL plane sustained injuries. The severity and nature of these injuries are yet to be clarified.
The Coast Guard's aircraft was en route to deliver supplies to the earthquake-stricken area of Niigata Prefecture along the Sea of Japan coast.
The aftermath of the collision had a significant impact on Haneda Airport's operations. While partial runway operations have since restarted, there has been no confirmation as to when full operations will resume. Most domestic flights at Haneda Airport were canceled on Jan 2.
Source: ANNnewsCH
