A Japan Airlines Airbus A350 ablaze on the runway at Tokyo’s Haneda airport. Photo / AP
A passenger plane burst into flames on the runway of Tokyo’s Haneda airport on Tuesday, with news reports saying it hit another aircraft after landing.
NHK TV reported all occupants of Japan Airlines flight JAL516, believed to be 379 people, got out safely before the plane was entirely engulfed in
flames. The Japanese coastguard, which operated the other plane, said its pilot had escaped but five crew members were missing.
New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade told the Herald it is unclear if any New Zealanders were on board the flight.
“We are trying to ascertain if any New Zealanders are involved. However, we have not yet received any requests for consular assistance,” an MFAT spokeswoman said.
Local TV video showed a large eruption of fire and smoke from 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 fully on fire.
