A Japan Airlines plane caught fire following a reported collision with a Coast Guard aircraft at Tokyo-Haneda airport on Tuesday (January 2), prompting videos from inside the aircraft to capture the tense moments passengers experienced. Videos from inside the burning plane show passengers' panic as flames leaped from the plane's belly.
A video, believed to be recorded by a passenger, showcases an orange glow and smoke emitting from the plane's underbelly as it taxis post-landing. Accompanying the visuals is the distinct sound of the plane's wheels and intermittent chimes of the seatbelt sign.
Another brief three-second clip reveals smoke-filled cabin interiors. In the midst of the chaos, a passenger is seen urgently adjusting his face mask, attempting to shield himself from the surrounding smoke. The cabin's atmosphere is further intensified by the audible shouts and cries of fellow passengers, underscoring the palpable fear and urgency.
While all 379 passengers and crew were safely evacuated before the flames consumed the aircraft entirely, the extent of injuries remains uncertain. In contrast, reports confirm the loss of five lives aboard the Coast Guard aircraft, with one person sustaining injuries.
READ | Five Coast Guard Members Killed In Aircraft Collision At Tokyo's Haneda Airport
Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism has initiated an investigation into the incident. This mishap at Tokyo-Haneda, one of the world's busiest airports, unfolded just a day after Japan grappled with devastating earthquakes claiming nearly 50 lives. Local media reports suggest the Coast Guard aircraft was en route for a rescue mission to aid those impacted by the seismic events of 2024.
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