TOKYO (AP) — A passenger plane burst into flames on the runway at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Tuesday and reportedly hit another plane after landing.
NHK TV reported that all occupants of Japan Airlines flight JAL-516, believed to be 379 people in total, ejected safely before the plane completely burst into flames. The Japanese Coast Guard, which operated the other plane, said the pilot escaped but five crew members were missing.
Local television video showed a large burst of fire and smoke on the side of the Japan Airlines plane as it taxied on a runway. The area around the wing then caught fire. Footage an hour later showed the plane completely engulfed in flames.
According to NHK TV, the plane was an Airbus A-350 that flew from Shin Chitose Airport near the city of Sapporo to Haneda.
Coast Guard spokesman Yoshinori Yanagishima confirmed the collision between the passenger plane and his flight MA-722, a Bombardier Dash-8.
Haneda is one of Japan's busiest airports and many people travel over the New Year holidays.
A passenger plane burst into flames on the runway at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Tuesday and reportedly hit another plane after landing. (January 2nd)