A collision between a Japan Airlines plane and an aircraft of Japan Coast Guard at a Tokyo airport left five coast guard crew members dead on Tuesday, Japan’s news agency Kyodo News reported.
The coast guard plane was carrying aid for people affected by Monday’s earthquakes in the country.
Japanese police confirmed that the five crew members aboard the coast guard plane were dead, Kyodo News reported.
The two planes collided after Japan Airlines aircraft landed at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, in accordance with various local media.
All passengers on board the Japan Airlines flight survived the disaster, but it remains to be confirmed officially by the authorities.
All runways at the airport were closed following the incident.
Japan Coast Guard said the aircraft was deployed to carry aid to people affected by earthquakes that hit Japan.
At least 48 people have died in the recurring earthquakes but that number could rise as many more are still trapped under collapsed buildings.
Footage broadcast on Japan’s public media organization NHK showed on Tuesday that a large part of the aircraft was on fire at the Haneda Airport.
Airport authorities were seen working to extinguish the flames.
