Title: Dramatic Evacuation as Japan Airlines Flight Catches Fire on Runway
In a harrowing incident at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, Japan Airlines (JAL) flight crew demonstrated remarkable courage and quick thinking as they successfully evacuated all 367 passengers and 12 crew members from a plane that caught fire on the runway. The Airbus A350, carrying eight infants, was engulfed in flames after striking a Japan Coast Guard aircraft during landing.
The chaos that ensued during the evacuation was exacerbated by a malfunctioning announcement system, forcing the JAL crew to rely on megaphones and their own voices to guide terrified passengers to safety. Miraculously, every person on board escaped unharmed, albeit shaken by the traumatic experience.
As investigations into the accident unfolded, JAL released a statement detailing the moments leading up to the landing. The crew had received permission to land, and the flight had departed without any prior issues from New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, Japan. However, fate took a tragic turn when the plane collided with the Japan Coast Guard aircraft, resulting in the deaths of five out of six crew members onboard the coast guard plane.
Videos captured the terrifying scene as the larger aircraft burst into flames, leaving the Airbus A350 as a total loss. While several passengers suffered minor injuries and requested medical consultations, only one person sustained bruising, with others primarily experiencing physical discomfort.
Further adding to the gravity of the situation, the Airbus A350 had been newly delivered to Japan Airlines just days before the incident on November 10, 2021. Equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the investigation into the crash prompted Airbus to dispatch a team of specialists to Japan, with the aim of assisting authorities in determining the cause of the accident.
The remarkable evacuation carried out by the JAL flight crew highlights their extensive training and resilience under immense pressure. Passengers and crew alike owe their lives to the courage and professionalism demonstrated during this terrifying ordeal. As the investigation progresses, the aviation industry awaits answers to ensure the safety of future flights.
Poh Diaries will continue to follow this story closely, providing updates on further developments and any measures taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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