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Japan: 5 aboard coast guard jet killed in collision with passenger plane

Japan: 5 aboard coast guard jet killed in collision with passenger plane

Japan plane fire

Five people on board a coast guard aircraft that collided with a Japan Airlines plane have died,the Japanese transport minister said, reported AFP

"Regarding the coast guard plane, we have been informed that the captain escaped and five people were confirmed dead," Tetsuo Saito told reporters.

The Japan Airlinesplane caught fire on the runway, with NHK broadcasting footage of flames emanating from the aircraft's windows.

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Japan Airlines confirmed that the affected aircraft, originating from Shin-Chitose airport in Hokkaido, has successfully evacuated all 367 passengers.

NHK footage showed active efforts by fire crews to control the fire, but specific details regarding injuries or the incident's exact nature are yet to be clarified.

Watch the video here:

Japan has maintained a strong safety record in commercial aviation, with no major accidents in recent decades. The most severe incident dates back to 1985 when a JAL jumbo jet crashed in the central Gunma region, resulting in the tragic loss of 520 passengers and crew.

(With inputs from agencies)