Tokyo, tragedy struck at Haneda Airport as a devastating fire broke out, leaving five people dead and hundreds evacuated. The incident sent shockwaves through the city, highlighting the vulnerability of even the most advanced infrastructure.
The fire erupted in one of the airport's terminals, engulfing it in flames within minutes. Panic ensued as smoke filled the air and passengers scrambled to escape. The heroic efforts of airport staff and emergency services saved countless lives, but sadly, five individuals lost their lives in this tragic event.
Transport Minister Tetsuo Saito confirmed that all 379 occupants of Japan Airlines flight JAL-516 got out safely before the plane was entirely engulfed in flames. The pilot of the coast guard plane also escaped, but five crewmembers died, Saito said.
Local TV video showed a large eruption of fire and smoke from the side of the Japan Airlines plane as it taxied after landing. The area around the wing then caught fire. Footage an hour later showed the plane fully on fire.
NHK showed plumes of orange fire and black smoke engulfing the passenger jet as it landed at Haneda Airport in the country's capital.
Video showed the plane's side and areas around the wing on fire as it taxied on the runway, before the fire spread to the cabin and rescue crews rushed to the tarmac. A local fire department deployed at least 70 firetrucks and other vehicles to extinguish the fire, NHK added.
Japan Airlines in late 2021.
The A350 had flown from Shin Chitose airport near the city of Sapporo, the transport minister said.
Haneda, which was closed for several hours, is one of the two main airports serving the Japanese capital. The flights were operating during the new year holidays, one of the busiest travel periods in Japan.
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