Swift Evacuation Averts Tragedy in Tokyo Airport Plane Collision
Daniel Adams
In a harrowing incident at Tokyo Haneda Airport, a Japan Airlines Flight 516 collided with a smaller coastguard plane, resulting in a cabin fire. Shockingly, the pilots of the Japanese airliner were initially unaware of the fire, and it was a flight attendant who alerted the cockpit, prompting a rapid response. With 379 individuals on board, the evacuation unfolded with life-saving precision, guided by the flight attendants using megaphones and their voices as the aircraft’s announcement system was damaged.
The JAL spokesperson revealed that after a sudden shock upon landing, a fire broke out, initially unnoticed by the pilots. The evacuation, described as a “miraculous 18 minutes,” showcased the crew’s effective communication as they used alternative methods to instruct passengers. Despite the damaged announcement system, passengers left their belongings and swiftly exited the aircraft before it became engulfed in flames. The coordinated efforts of the cabin crew, urging passengers to stay calm and leave their possessions, were instrumental in ensuring a quick and safe evacuation.
Japanese authorities later revealed that the coastguard plane involved was not cleared for take-off on the runway, contradicting the captain’s claim. The incident, the first major accident involving an Airbus A350, is under investigation, with Airbus sending a team of specialists to assist the Japan Transport Safety Board. This contrasts with past incidents, highlighting the critical role of well-coordinated evacuation procedures, as seen in the contrasting outcome of the 2016 Emirates Boeing 777 crash landing in Dubai.
6 COMMENTS
That is insane. How can that happen in Japan, one of the most organised countries in the world?
Learn from this: “passengers left their belongings and swiftly exited the aircraft before it became engulfed in flames” if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.
That is insane. How can that happen in Japan, one of the most organised countries in the world?
Poor passengers.
At least nobody was killed.
Learn from this: “passengers left their belongings and swiftly exited the aircraft before it became engulfed in flames” if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.
Note that the plane was not cleared for take-off on the runway
That is terrible.