Japan plane catches fire while landing at Tokyo airport, snaps in half on runway

A distressing incident unfolded at Tokyo's Haneda airport on Tuesday as a Japan Airlines' A350 airplane caught fire while landing, resulting in the aircraft snapping in half on the runway. Shocking footage aired by NHK, the country's public broadcaster, showed flames emanating from the windows of the aircraft.

Authorities are investigating a potential collision with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft as the cause of the blaze, according to Nippon TV. Haneda airport, one of Japan's busiest, was the scene of this alarming event.

NHK reported that it is suspected the plane was struck by another aircraft, likely belonging to the Japan Coast Guard. The Coast Guard has acknowledged the reports and is currently verifying whether a collision occurred. A coast guard official at Haneda Airport mentioned that details were being checked, stating, "It's not clear if there was a collision, but it is certain that our plane is involved."

Japan Airlines spokesperson stated that the aircraft, which had originated from Shin-Chitose airport in Hokkaido, was carrying over 300 passengers. Thankfully, all 367 passengers have been safely evacuated from the blazing plane, as reported by AFP and NHK.

The runway itself was also set ablaze during the incident, with the plane, identified as JAL 516, reportedly taking off from Hokkaido. The situation unfolded as the aircraft was landing at Haneda airport. Fire crews were swiftly deployed to extinguish the flames, though it remains unclear if there were any injuries.

This incident marks a rare occurrence for Japan, which has not experienced a serious commercial aviation accident in decades. The worst aviation disaster in the country occurred in 1985 when a JAL jumbo jet flying from Tokyo to Osaka crashed in the central Gunma region, resulting in the tragic loss of 520 passengers and crew members.