TOKYO, JP – A terrifying scene unfolded at Haneda airport in Tokyo on Tuesday when a Japanese Airlines aircraft ignited into a massive fire, according to local reports.
The passenger plane, filled with over 300 passengers, was enveloped in flames on the runway, as seen in live footage from public broadcaster NHK. The aircraft was completely consumed by the fire shortly after it began. All 379 passengers and crew members were able to escape the burning plane, NHK reported.
The blaze reportedly started after the plane collided with another aircraft post-landing. The second aircraft is believed to be a Coast Guard plane, as per Nippon TV. The Coast Guard has initiated an investigation into the possible collision.
Emergency response teams were quick to arrive at the scene, deploying water and foam to combat the fire. However, the flames had already spread extensively across the plane.
The plane, a JAL flight 516, had flown from Shin Chitose airport to Haneda, one of Japan’s busiest airports. Following the incident, all runways and services at the airport were suspended.