“Regarding the coast guard plane, we have been informed that the captain escaped and five people were confirmed dead,” Mr Saito told reporters.
The coast guard plane was headed to Niigata Airport on Japan’s west coast to deliver aid to those caught up in a powerful earthquake that struck on New Year’s Day, killing at least 55 people.
Earlier reports said five members of the coast guard crew were unaccounted for, while the captain escaped.
The coast guard plane collided with JAL Flight 516 shortly after the passenger jet landed.
Live footage on public broadcaster NHK showed the JAL aircraft bursting into flames as it skidded down the tarmac after landing at around 6pm local time.
It was later engulfed by the blaze despite efforts by rescue crews to control the fire.
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin January 03, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin January 03, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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