On January 2, 2024, a Japan Airlines (JAL) plane experienced a devastating fire at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, but all 379 people on board managed to escape the burning aircraft. This remarkable feat has been praised by aviation experts as a “miraculous job”. Here’s how the cabin crew and passengers worked together to ensure everyone’s safety:
The Incident
The JAL Airbus A350 caught fire after a collision with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft at the airport. The plane’s in-flight announcement system did not work during the evacuation, so crew members used megaphones to give instructions. Passengers were terrified as flames licked the windows and the cabin filled with smoke.
The Evacuation
Despite the dangerous conditions, the cabin crew remained calm and focused on ensuring everyone’s safety. They were able to evacuate all 367 passengers and 12 crew members within 20 minutes. The passengers were instructed to leave their carry-on luggage behind and make their way to the evacuation slides. Some passengers even had to climb a hill in smoke to reach the exits.
The Heroes
The pilot who brought the skidding plane to a halt, the crew who issued instructions through megaphones, and the passengers who remained seated before making their way to the evacuation slides all played crucial roles in the successful escape. Japan Airlines has been praised for its quick response and ability to safely evacuate passengers under such challenging circumstances.
The Aftermath
Five crew members on the Coast Guard plane were killed in the incident. All 367 passengers and 12 crew members from the JAL plane were safely evacuated, and the fire was extinguished shortly after midnight. This miraculous escape has been attributed to the cabin crew’s training, quick thinking, and the passengers’ cooperation.In conclusion, the successful evacuation of the JAL plane at Haneda Airport was a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the cabin crew, as well as the resilience and cooperation of the passengers. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety procedures and training in preventing disasters and ensuring the well-being of travelers.
