Japan Airlines Plane Bursts Into Flames After Tokyo Runway Collision

Tokyo – A dramatic runway collision between two aircraft at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport resulted in a Japan Airlines passenger plane erupting into flames on Tuesday. While all passengers evacuated safely, five crew members tragically died on the second plane involved.

Shortly after landing on a runway at Tokyo International Airport, also known as Haneda, the Japan Airlines (JAL) plane carrying 379 passengers was struck by a smaller aircraft preparing for departure. Video showed the JAL plane quickly engulfed in fire as terrified passengers fled down emergency slides onto the tarmac.

Transport Minister Tetsuo Saito confirmed all passengers safely deplaned from the burning aircraft thanks to an orderly evacuation by cabin crew. However, 5 of the 6 personnel aboard the second plane, operated by another domestic carrier, perished in the intense flames according to authorities. The aircraft was reportedly carrying aid supplies to areas damaged by the recent earthquake that devastated Japan’s northern coast, killing hundreds and causing a nuclear emergency.

While the cause remains under investigation, airport officials indicated weather conditions at the time were poor due to heavy snowfall. Poor visibility may have contributed to the collision between the two Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Runway collisions are extremely rare given the rigorous air traffic control and ground radar systems guiding modern aviation. The alarming incident shut down Haneda’s main runway temporarily as authorities inspected for damage.

While JAL passengers only suffered minor injuries evacuating the flaming plane, the tragic loss of life on the aid-carrying flight underscored the severity of the collision. Officials continue assessing next steps to determine the factors that allowed the rare runway accident to occur under close supervision.