5 crew members dead in Japan Airlines crash at Haneda Airport :Reports

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Japan Airlines Flight 516 crashes at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, collides with Coast Guard plane; 367 passengers, 12 crew safe, 5 Coast Guard dead.

In a distressing incident at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, a Japan Airlines plane, identified as Flight 516, erupted into flames during landing at approximately 5:47 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The flight, originating from New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, carried 367 passengers and 12 crew members, who all managed to evacuate safely before the fire completely engulfed the aircraft. The Airbus A-350’s collision with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft, Flight MA-722, a Bombardier Dash-8, tragically led to this disaster.

NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster, aired dramatic footage showing intense flames and smoke billowing from the Japan Airlines plane, particularly around its wing area. The situation worsened when the Coast Guard plane involved in the collision was reported to have five crew members missing. Only one member of the Coast Guard crew was able to escape, with later reports confirming the tragic deaths of the five other crew members.

Emergency responders were seen in live footage tirelessly battling the blaze that consumed the aircraft’s fuselage. This calamitous event raises significant concerns about aviation safety protocols, air traffic control, and the safety infrastructure in Japan’s bustling airports. The Haneda Airport, a major international hub, was particularly busy with travelers over the New Year holidays.

Swedish passenger Anton Deibe, 17, recounted his harrowing experience to Aftonbladet, describing how the cabin quickly filled with smoke, leading to panic and chaos as passengers rushed to evacuate through emergency exits.

Authorities are investigating the details of the collision and the fire, while the aviation industry and regulatory bodies are expected to conduct a comprehensive review to enhance safety measures and prevent similar tragedies in the future. The incident not only demands a critical reassessment of Japan’s aviation safety protocols but also highlights the need for global attention to aviation safety standards.

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