Tokyo, Japan: A Japan Airlines plane burst into flames on the runway at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport in television pictures Tuesday, a day after a devastating earthquake. Pictures from broadcaster NHK showed the plane speeding down the runway before orange flames burst from beneath it.
JAL plane on fire at Tokyo Airport
pic.twitter.com/EL9s7kVJbi— アトリン ✊🏾 (@phoojux) January 2, 2024
The cause of the incident is yet ascertain, but television reports said that the Airbus collided with a coastguard aircraft.
All passengers and crew on board the aircraft were safely evacuated without any serious injuries. Airport firefighters quickly brought the fire under control due to the possibility of it spreading further. The incident caused airport operations to be temporarily suspended, causing delays and in some cases the cancellation of flights.
Japan airlines plane on fire at Haneda Airport Tokyo. pic.twitter.com/3TZfxHVZkR
— Taurus4🇺🇦ShoTimeFella🎗️ (@Atacms_4_Ukr) January 2, 2024
The television footage showed flames coming out windows and the plane’s nose on the ground as rescue workers sprayed it. There was also burning debris on the runway.
A Japan Airlines jet is on fire at Tokyo Haneda Airport. 🇯🇵 🚨 ✈️ 🔥 pic.twitter.com/FaUAd7sERb
— Cole Cameron (@colecameron) January 2, 2024
An investigation was immediately launched to determine the cause of the fire, with initial findings leaning towards a possible technical fault. The airline and airport authorities are cooperating closely with investigators and have promised to take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The incident attracted considerable attention, sparking conversations on aviation safety and emergency preparedness at major transit points. It reminded of the continued need for stringent security measures and preparedness to respond efficiently to crises, thereby ensuring the well-being of passengers and crew.