TOKYO, JP – A dramatic incident unfolded at Tokyo’s Haneda airport on Tuesday when a passenger plane from Japan Airlines was engulfed in a massive inferno, local sources reported.
The aircraft, which was carrying over 300 passengers, was seen ablaze on the runway in live footage broadcast by NHK. The fire quickly engulfed the entire plane, but all 379 passengers and crew members managed to evacuate safely, according to NHK.
Reports suggest the fire was sparked following a collision with another aircraft after the plane had landed. The other aircraft is suspected to be a Coast Guard plane, as reported by Nippon TV. An investigation into the alleged collision has been initiated by the Coast Guard.
Emergency services responded promptly, deploying water and foam in an attempt to douse the flames. However, the fire had already spread extensively across the aircraft.
The aircraft involved, JAL flight 516, had flown from Shin Chitose airport to Haneda, one of the busiest airports in Japan. The incident led to the suspension of all runways and services at the airport.