An airplane with over 200 people on board burst into flames while landing at Haneda Airport in Tokyo on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024, causing panic and dramatic scenes but thankfully no injuries.
The Japan Airlines Boeing 777, carrying 202 passengers and 15 crew members, had just arrived from Okinawa when the incident occurred. According to initial reports, the plane’s landing gear malfunctioned during touchdown, causing sparks and flames to erupt from the left wheel well.
“There was a loud bang and then we saw flames coming out from under the plane,” said one passenger who was on board. “Everyone started screaming and panicking, but the crew was very calm and efficient in getting us evacuated.”
Emergency crews were quickly on the scene and were able to extinguish the fire within minutes. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated from the plane using emergency slides.
“We are incredibly grateful that no one was injured in this incident,” said a spokesperson for Japan Airlines. “Our top priority is the safety of our passengers and crew, and we are working closely with the authorities to investigate the cause of the fire.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials believe it was likely due to a mechanical failure in the landing gear. The incident has caused significant disruption at Haneda Airport, with several flights being delayed or canceled.
This is the second incident involving a Japan Airlines plane in recent months. In October 2023, a Japan Airlines Boeing 787 made an emergency landing at Narita Airport near Tokyo after experiencing a technical problem with one of its engines.