Japan: Five dead after two planes collide at Tokyo's biggest airport | DW News

The year is only two days old and Japan has already had to deal with as many tragedies. After a devastating earthquake on New Year's Day, January 2nd saw a passenger plane collide with a small coast guard aircraft at Tokyo’s biggest airport. Both planes burst into flames. While all 379 passengers and crew of the Japan Airlines plane managed to safely evacuate before the Airbus burned out, only one of the six people on the coastguard plane survived.
For more on this, we talk to Stephen Wright. He's a professor of aviation at Tampere University in Finland.
And we talk to aviation expert and journalist Julian Bray, who joins us from Cambridge in the UK.
#Japan #Airplane #Collision
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[@Bar-Hillel]

How many will actually learn that the critical factor in saving so many lives was NOT trying to take luggage? The crew were phenomenal, but so were the passengers.

[@Shyndree]

The critical factor is listening and following instructions. Your flight crew is trained for these situation, while you as a normal passenger don't have a clue. Just following their instructions will likely save your life way better than trying to think of what to do. These trainings are designed by experts who know what works best as we can see from this example.

[@DirkusTurkess]

How bout you don't land a plane on another plane.

[@df446]

How 'bout you don't put your plane under a landing plane?@@DirkusTurkess

[@UnsungAces]

​@@df446 Tbf it's ATC fault

[@gainsborough25]

@@UnsungAces has that been confirmed? I was thinking that it's either ATC or pilot of the other plane since the landing plane had clearance.

[@99dynasty]

“They listened to the cabin crew” If this was any other group of people on earth, there would have been fatalities. The Japanese people are distinctly unique in this way, and it’s served them well in this case

[@thekrevolution]

true, would hate to think of the casualties if there were american passengers on that plane.

[@arizona_anime_fan]

@@thekrevolution half the passengers would have died. through trampling i suspect.

[@ShadowsandCityLights]

Don't forget the people trying to grab their bags.

[@n4musica]

It’s really centuries of societal pressure. It’s not in Japanese DNA to follow the rules.

[@ingodwetrustdellaware-inc8322]

IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺 HALF OF PEOPLE DIED OVER LUGGAGE 🧳

[@michaelf5034]

After traveling extensively in Japan, the Japanese people, unlike Americans pay attention to the safety briefing and respect crew instructions. It’s a culture shock when people come to the United States and see how people act on aircraft. The Japanese are very disciplined and respectful. Hats off to the crew as well.

[@TurdFergusen]

ive flown a hundred flights in the US…. youre on crack

[@timetravelerx3004]

This is the comment I was looking for 100% facts they are a very discipline nation.

[@andrewdillon7837]

@@TurdFergusen I hav'nt flown any,,BUT i have KZbin ,,so ,who's on crack?

[@dforrest4503]

@@TurdFergusenyou’re saying people pay attention to the safety briefings in the U.S.?

[@SimoneEhmann]

Japanese are such humble people!

[@ryuuguu01]

I spent 30 years in Japan riding commuter trains and the passengers doing as advised in an emergency is not surprising.

[@carlyar5281]

When I saw that all of the passenger and crew on the commercial aircraft survived I was shocked! I’m a retired aerospace engineer, and I am so happy that the passengers and crew were able to escape. As the first aviation expert explains, this is a new aircraft with expensive composite materials used in the structure. This made a significant difference in the crash survivability of the aircraft, which meant that passengers have the ability to escape in that 90 seconds window. No one in the industry ever wants something like this to happen, but I’m proud to see that the innovation in materials has saved lives. My heart goes out to the families and friends of the crew of the coast aircraft.

[@carlosalbert7667]

All right, but to see the whole composite fuselage burning like paper rises some questions. That did not happen to aluminium.

[@j134679]

@@carlosalbert7667the design is to delay the fire, not stop it completely

[@carlosalbert7667]

@@j134679 Composites were introduced to reduce weight, so operational costs. Their fire resistance against aluminium is more than questionable.

[@davewilson2405]

spraying the a350 with aviation fuel wich is what happend in that accident is like lighting the blue touch paper to all that carbon fibre , it would not happen with alloy @@carlosalbert7667

[@nmew6926]

It's because the Asians are not obese, they were able to escape quicker. Nothing to do with Airbus material.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

It’s amazing that more people weren’t killed, but my heart goes out to the families of those who were, and the injured. Japan has had its year of bad luck, but all in two days, my sympathies and prayers for those affected by the terrible earthquake, too. From San Francisco❤

[@easywriter8553]

とても良いアドバイスです。ありがとう。

[@sammygirl6910]

​@@PHANTOM_2025 Unless the JAL landed on the wrong runway, it's probably not their fault.

[@mickeytakahashi1736]

Thank you for a heart felt warm comment from Tokyo Japan.

[@ABC-48483]

Does this have to do with the earth quake

[@けい-r1z]

Hi I'm japanese Thank you for your message from japan

[@HP-ws2vx]

All 379 crew evacuated the passenger plane, that is some insane safety training, bravo. Rest in peace to those who died :(

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

This shows how effective emergency evacuations can be if people follow instructions. Leave your luggage behind! Your delay will kill others, if not you! Everything can be replaced except life itself!

[@easywriter8553]

良いアドバイスです。ありがとう。

[@yggdrasil9039]

True. But now try and communicate that to the people on board a flight in the West in 24 languages using appropriate cultural sensitivity for each subgroup. The only reason the survival of everyone on JL516 occurred was because culturally everyone was on the same page.

[@michaelmcclown5593]

@@yggdrasil9039 No it's not, it's because Japanese have a strong sense of community, unlike a lot of countries who prioritize personal freedom above all else.

[@user-bh9bc8rl7d]

A large earthquake occurred this year as well from New Year's Day, but while the Japanese people have almost no conflicts like other countries, they have faced all sorts of natural disasters since ancient times due to geopolitical considerations. In such emergency situations, we always think about the disadvantages of acting selfishly. In fact, it may be that it has permeated our national character unconsciously, rather than even thinking about it.

[@yggdrasil9039]

@@michaelmcclown5593 Indeed, the Japanese have a strong sense of community, whereas in the West there is a strong sense of communities.

[@mankayng]

Hats off to the Japan Airlines crew's professionalism in a situation like that! They saved everyone on board, both the passengers and themselves!

[@skyhawk_4526]

"How did the passengers survive this?" By having a very well-trained and disciplined cabin crew, and by following their instructions.

[@user-bh9bc8rl7d]

It is amazing that the passengers and crew of the airliner survived in such conditions, and once again proves the Japanese people's discipline in emergencies. Well, some of the passengers were hysterically yelling, "Hurry up and open the door!"... However, I feel really sorry for the members of the Japan Coast Guard. The rescue workers were elite people with extremely expert abilities, and they were about to set out on a mission to save people.

[@Shyndree]

Some of the passengers were clearly children, and obviously even adults would be scared. Fear is a natural human reaction, and it's also something crews are trained to handle. It's not like you wouldn't be scared or anxious in such a situation.

[@KittenBowl1]

You do know those are kids crying out of fear speaking in Japanese? Not adults. I’m Japanese so I know those yelling and crying were children and toddlers, there were many kids onboard as it’s a new year holiday in Japan.

[@永劫不滅乗黄天弓-g5g]

叫んでるのは子供ですね

[@user-bh9bc8rl7d]

I fully understand that this situation was especially excruciatingly frightening for a child. And if I were in the same situation, I'm not sure I would stay sane.

[@Mansikkacake]

I've been traveling between Japan to USA a lot for over 20 years. It would be definitely different outcome if passengers were American. Good to see over 300 people listened and followed the instruction, and evacuated within few mins!

[@katalinjuhasz641]

90 SECUNDUM IDÖ ALATT

[@mariannatexas]

My prayers are for the family of the people who died in this accident. Great job on the evacuation and those flight crew employees are heroes.

[@ronvandereerden4714]

Praying to a god that allowed this (and the earthquake) to happen in the first place seems pretty delusional.

[@the.mystictraveller]

A dog and a cat was left behind in the cabin too..😢

[@kbrandt4015]

My condolences to all the families of those lost. As a former flight attendant I am in awe of the outstanding crew that got everyone off of that aircraft. I can't find words adequate to express what I'm feeling and thinking. I honor all of them and the passengers who had to keep their head under such terrifying circumstances.

[@TheByard]

Exactly they crew saved those lives and did a fantastic job, my heart goes out to them. But sadly, some airlines treat their crews badly with little rest between flights, quick turn arounds etc. The crew are so tired they can hardly carry out their normal job let alone a huge emergency one. A disaster waiting to happen.

[@diditan4773]

Japanese people are disciplined and they all listened to the crew members, they were all sitting and they did not panic kudos to all the passengers and crew

[@johnsenders4156]

The crew must have been incredibly disciplined

[@markmd9]

But they also could be the one who made a fatal mistake.

[@AuGAlaN]

@@markmd9 well probably not the flight attendants, and they'd be the most important in evacuating all passengers

[@VictoriaWalker8]

​@@markmd9 Still early to say for sure. Let's wait the whole investigation to understand the possible multiple errors that lead to the accident

[@henryairconcepts2999]

​@@markmd9it could have been a mistake from air traffic controller

[@zam023]

@@markmd9He is talking about the cabin crew, not the pilots.

[@thienhuonghoang5135]

Accident can happen anywhere. The way that everyone was safely evacuated is remarkable. How the Gov. of Japan, its military personels responded and assisted the earthquake’s victims and to this flight collision is very remarkable. Love you all, people of Japan. You have shown the world how graceful, composed, disciplined, and efficient when dealing with crisis. 🕊🕊🕊💪💪❤️

[@eagledice2008]

RIP to the service members who perished but kuddos to the crew for saving so many lives may God protect them

[@ronvandereerden4714]

Science, research, safety protocols, bravery, determination and a bunch of luck protected them. Belief in God just gets in the way.

[@FeedingFrenzy91]

@@ronvandereerden4714 Yet you believe in luck.

[@ronvandereerden4714]

What a nonsensical comment. I believe in luck - as in chance - not as something to count on. I don't believe in fairies in the sky looking out for you or anybody else. Otherwise that fairy would be a massive prick!

[@FeedingFrenzy91]

@@ronvandereerden4714 So all good parents are massive pricks?

[@DreamyAbaddon]

@@FeedingFrenzy91 delusions don't save lives.

[@monaminas]

My heart goes to Japan and to everybody involved in the horrific tragedies that took place in the last two days. Kudos from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@towertokyo]

Arigato gozaimasu

[@Consrignrant]

No one cares about your "heart". I don't understand how you do not know that your comment is worthless.

[@monaminas]

@Consrignrant Get a life! For a heart is too late, if you already don't possess it.

[@monaminas]

@@towertokyo 🙏🙏🙏

[@ideastshoa6383]

Likely such a successful evacuation can happen in countries like Japan only. All the passengers (I assume the majority of them are Japanese) followed the orders and didn't cut in line to cause panic or disturbance. It reminds me of the Fukushima earthquake 10 years ago. At the time there were passengers in the subway trapped inside the carts for 5 hours. Yet there was no panic or disorders. Can't imagine the same thing can happen easily elsewhere. In my opinion it's not the strength of a new aircraft, but the quality of Japanese people the most important factor for the successful evacuation. Kudos.

[@Roscn-dn36]

Respect to the Japanese people and their culture demonstrated in this tragic incident.

[@jimprior5700]

I don't understand your statement???

[@tomo1168]

I'm preatty sure, thats also one reason why all passengers survived.

[@UrikKane]

Agreed, Japanese are socially very polite and law/rule abiding. In situations like this, it's paramount the passengers stay focused and follow flight attendants directions. There have been cases before where passengers would, for example, try and get their belongings (even from overhead bins) which is absolutely detrimental to effective evacuation and survival. Props to the pilots and cabin crew too for quick thinking and making correct crucial decisions on which doors/slides to use.

[@Astrid-jx5dw]

I’ve never flown with JAL, but one report showed their safety video. It not only verbally warned against taking the luggage when emergency occurs but visually shows what happens if the luggage gets stuck in the aisle or damage the evacuation slide. Only one person tries to do that and many others can’t proceed to the exit or use the slide to escape. I think that’s a brilliant way of teaching as it’s crucial as this accident proved. And yes, I agree with some of the comments that mentioned about the low obesity rate. Instead of allowing the obese people extra seats free, the airline companies should widen the aisles so that everyone can escape the aircraft in case of emergency. Just like a stuck luggage, one stuck person could prevent many passengers getting through in limited time

[@dondekeeper2943]

It's absolutely incredible how the Airbus managed to stay in one piece after such an impact, and gave a chance for the people to escape this disaster. Airbus has certainly proved themselves for this engineering achievement. Well done, Airbus!

[@stjepannikolic5418]

It would be disappointing if aircraft disintegrated at low speed during landing.. However I am more concerned if someone's phone/laptop battery gets on fire in luggage compartment whilst in cruise at 30k ft. The aircraft would be in ashes within 15-20mins before reaching ground. Metal aircrafts at least might have some chances.

[@Matty12333]

@@stjepannikolic5418Aircrafts have fire suppression systems

[@stjepannikolic5418]

@@Matty12333 true, but why the crew of a350 weren't aware of fire ?

[@amazinghappsandevents]

Flight crews, you have done an excellent work on managing the passengers to safety. Thank you passengers for also trusting and following instructions carefully...

[@katiem6773]

Big credit and kudos to the crew! So sorry to hear about the loss of Coast Guard crew. What a tragic day for Japan. 😢

[@lambis1976]

Respect to the Japanese people. Their discipline is amazing. The world got a valuable lesson today.

[@NevaUndaPressure]

The crew were phenomenal, next time anyone take a flight, remember flight attendants are not just there to serve drinks and food... They will save your life! ✈️🙌🏽

[@tomm187ab]

Why did all 379 people on the Airbus escape safely? No need to ask. This is because most of the passengers on this domestic flight are Japanese. Japanese people are accustomed to group behavior, and this training begins in kindergarten. This Japanese-style training is also the reason why trains are so accurate during rush hour in Tokyo. Japanese people line up more strictly than Germans to ride the train every day.

[@Oishionna]

Japanese children also do regular earthquake evacuation drills, starting in kindergarten.

[@MissiBoo]

The crew on board that flight deserve a medal for their quick thinking. It's amazing that there were no fatalities on that flight. This is all down to the crew and the passenger's acting on the crew's instructions. My sincere condolences go to the families of the crew that died on the Coastguard plane. They were serving their country at their hour of need. God bless you all 🙏

[@OneLeggedTarantula]

Nobody would escape this type of accident in America. Everybody would be grabbing their bags..

[@ProctorsGamble]

OMG! My Hunter bidens laptop!

[@EyeMemoryLane]

Same in Europe i think 😂

[@Starlightbarking]

Can you imagine evacuating overweight American passengers who are so large they require 2x seats

[@aiai-j7i]

💔Japan RIP to those coast guards, on their way to help others. Life is so harsh.

[@CharlieTheAstronaut]

Glad to see sensical reporting and an actual expert who beautifully explains why things are the way they are instead of just sensationalizing.

[@mlp9388]

It’s amazing all passengers listened to instructions and followed in 90 seconds window.

[@ikkyu-san3436]

I'm Japanese. Japan is a country with a lot of volcanoes and earthquakes, and there are many difficult disasters, so we have repeated and thorough evacuation drills since we were in elementary school. We respond calmly, judge the situation, cooperate with the surroundings and help each other. It has been deeply penetrated into culture for a long time as a common practice. I have received such strict training, so I will naturally help you even if there are foreign travelers nearby. It is very important for us to work together to help everyone.

[@Milanmy]

❤❤❤

[@シーロン]

this clearly showed that you can survive even this level of tragedy if you follow the crews.

[@Shineon83]

As a U.S. flight crew member (Delta), word gets passed around regarding “which” international airlines to avoid when flying….The Japanese are known for having the highest, most stringent safety standards in the industry ( not just in Asia )…..

[@carlyar5281]

As an aerospace engineer, I second this comment.

[@janlim0916]

*The Japanese are very keen in following instructions to the letter(Provided most of the passengers were Japanese). Cabin crew probably instructed them where to go and where not to go.*

[@EyeMemoryLane]

Exactly what i am thinking! Of this would happen somewhere in Europe, i think people would WANT to take some belongings, and thus blocking the paths. Japanese are very strict

[@markmark3938]

Let's be honest, if the passengers weren't mostly Japanese (i.e. orderly and compliant and regimented) then half of them would be dead.

[@lucdelhaize4029]

Kudos to Airbus for designing and manufacturing such a strong and crash survivable aircraft.

[@pjk1714]

Five very brave and needed souls were lost. I hope the truth is learned to protect others in the future. Wishing the survivor well in their good health and emotional wellbeing after such a tragic event. They didn't have a chance. RIP 🕊️

[@easywriter8553]

あなたのコメントは心を癒します。ありがとう。

[@bobkoomans3490]

As an OLD 1st Responder - Thank you for your comments towards the Professionals who were lost in this incident!

[@mizum3458]

Rip 🙏

[@quantum470]

How did they survive? The crew is Japanese? They are a highly disciplined people that are really good at controlling their emotions. That probably makes them the best people for the job!

[@AtomicPunk51]

First and foremost my prayers for those who perished onboard the japan coastguard plane. My mind is blown that all survived on JAL passenger plane. I'm guessing it was flight crew, that many survivors don't make it if crew was not on top of situation, calm and focused. My respect for what they do and training on how to handle unimaginable turmoil hats off to everyone.

[@himanshu54365]

Prayers for Japan… love from India 🇮🇳 ❤🇯🇵

[@松萧劲]

NO WAY would most countries such as America and China would sit, remain as calm as can be and follow instructions. There would be way more fatalities. Take a lesson other countries !

[@tunpru1422]

It is amazing all the people from the passanger plane were saved without injuries.

[@michellearzu1265]

Always remember to be alert four minutes after take off and eleven minutes before landing. Those are your danger windows, and as a passenger, you gotta be alert to anything that might happen then.

[@lashlarue7924]

Ironically, this seems to have happened *before* takeoff and *after* landing, respectively...

[@michellearzu1265]

@@lashlarue7924 the four minutes are once you're ready to take off, and the eleven end until you're taxing... so...

[@lopezb]

Important to put your shoes back on for example. And, forget your laptop- everything stowed, just get out! No videos, no selfies...help each other!

[@stevoutubo]

@@lopezbgood advice, don’t take your shoes off for take off and landing. And keep your passport/phone on you.

[@ghostpiratelechuck2259]

@@stevoutuboJust don’t take your shoes off. We’re in an enclosed metal tube.

[@Tulasidharv]

Japanese discipline and respect for rules must have helped in evaquating incredibly quick in 90 seconds though only 3 of the 8 emergency doors could be open.

[@jamesg2382]

My heartfelt condolences to everyone involved in the incident, such an unfortunate accident. I hope everyone that can recovers well. Love from Australia

[@johnwilliam8366]

The Japanese are very disciplined and respectful. Very few are on a American diet and didn't care about their luggage. Life was more important.!

[@dankfarrik8376]

Being cabin crew myself (for an European airline) I'm so proud of the crew here. Of course also the passengers for keeping calm and following orders as well the cockpit crew. But especially the cabin staff. So many people think they are just cute boys and girls that serve you food. Being married to a japanese woman myself this my go double since they look like pretty dolls sometimes. But make no mistake we are highly trained for every emergency that can happen on board. Not only fire. On top of that we are trained in first aid and CPR. Sadly we also have to deal more and more with aggression from passengers but we will put you in handcuffs if needs be. Oh yeah we also serve you meals and drinks. And if that's the only thing i ever do in my career I'm perfectly fine with it. Thanks for being a nice human being if you fly with us.

[@pilotman245]

I'm certain many people on the passenger plane would have died if this happened in the United States. Many people would have excessively panicked, not followed directions, and would have been more worried about their carry-on luggage rather than the safety of themselves and others.

[@truthylucy7068]

Absolutely! Americans would have been tripping over each other to get out. To freaked out to listen & it would likely turn into each man for himself. Sadly! Japanese culture is disciplined. It's what saved their lives. 😊

[@matti1358]

Japanese are disciplined people so they follow instructions without panicking. Highly skills and discipline saved all the passengers and crews of the airbus, unfortunately not the coast guard aircraft.

[@idpro83]

Japanese people are disciplined. Discipline saves lives. Imagine the screeching of all those scamfluencers and entitled Karens in the aircraft if that would've happened in USA.

[@rinistephenson5550]

Sincere condolences and honor to the five who perished, and to their grieving families. Bravo to those who survived and to the flight attendants who safely shepherded all off the passenger plane.

[@ving5673]

Japanese flight attendants are the best in the world in costumer service and safety. They’re well trained. I prefer to use Japanese airline mostly.

[@nguyenthithuthuynguyen687]

hats off to Japansese. Passengers on oboard were not yelling, carefully followed the instructions. Such a responsible profestional cabin crew!

[@loveakamisochan]

Fact: The Coast Guard plane was about to bring relief supplies to an area that had recently been hit by an earthquake, and the situation was irregular. It is believed that a miscommunication between the tower and the captain was the cause. However, the captain and air traffic controllers are not entirely to blame. The more significant cause is that a system was not created to respond perfectly to the unusual situation. This is because no matter how responsible, experienced, and competent a person is, he or she is bound to make a mistake.

[@DearSybersue]

What a great job by the Japan Airlines crew!! As a flight attendant for many years the annual training we receive is definitely beneficial and life saving! I am so sorry to hear the devastating news regarding coast guard plane and passengers. My heart goes out to their loved ones. Very very sad. ❤😢

[@jubronaljoan]

My understanding is that the passengers and crew of the passenger airliner all safely evacuated before the fuselage started burning properly. Condolences to the families of those who died on the Coast Guard aircraft.

[@jdlk-ny5yo]

This is a testament to all the amazing work that goes into air safety from the airplane engineers to ground and emergency staff- amazing work RIP to those who lost their lives 😢

[@gebruederflausch]

I think the biggest factor why all passengers survived is because they are Japanese. We all know how disciplined & how good they are at following orders. Also, maybe luck of course, and size compared to a smaller aircraft.

[@truthylucy7068]

I thought the same thing! If those were Americans, there's no way they would've all made it out! Half wouldn't have listened to the flight attendant instructions after boarding. Once the plane landed & hit the other plane and the passengers saw the flames. That would've been all she wrote. 340 Americans are not going to be calm, cool & collected. I picture total chaos.

[@Yesuhey]

300 ppl survived because they were japanese ppl and they respect and follow the rules

[@icerepublic]

Good to see the low number of casualties. Hard to believe when you see the footage. Japan is really a complete mystery to me tbh, though. It's so different from what you would see here in Europe if a similar thing happened. I just can't wrap my head around it. No matter whether there are nuclear reactors blowing up there, tsunamis, earthquakes, exploding planes... everybody always completely calm. No screaming, no panic, no chaos. It's very difficult to understand. A completely different culture. I see it. But I can't comprehend it.

[@ikkyu-san3436]

I'm Japanese, Japan is a country with a lot of volcanoes and earthquakes, and there are many difficult disasters, so we have repeated and thorough evacuation drills since we were in elementary school. We respond calmly, judge the situation, cooperate with the surroundings and help each other. It has been deeply penetrated into our culture for a long time as a common practice. I have received such strict training, so I will naturally help you even if there are foreign travelers nearby. It is very important for us to work together to help everyone.

[@icerepublic]

@@ikkyu-san3436 Yeah, it's absolutely amazing. But for us Europeans, Japan is probably by far the most enigmatic country we could ever travel to. The whole country is a huge question mark for me. For example, I can never read anything in Japanese people's faces. Are they angry, fearful, impatient? You never know. 100% poker face. It's really mysterious. But I also found that if you ask, Japanese people are always very nice and helpful. I can totally confirm that. 👍

[@asokshrestha4155]

It’s very sad news….., Heartfelt condolences to the Japan coast guard heroes who lost their lives when they were on the way to help for the earthquake victims of central western Japan 🇯🇵.

[@Teisharocz]

It's because passengers left their luggage behind instead of going into overhead bins searching for their larde roller boards!!!!

[@SimoneEhmann]

Japanese are such humble people!

[@DanBlake3rd]

Because the flight attendants are not only there to serve cocktails and stow your luggage. Primarily they are specialists at evacuating aircraft cabins.

[@nicholasvanderschee3932]

The world is lucky this happened in Japan where the culture is much more respectful and proffesional. I can only imagine the level of respect those passangers had for the crew and listening to directions. I am sure if this happened in America there would be a much greater loss of life.

[@eh1702]

In Japan, people generally assume that others are competent at their job: and they are generally justified. Their companies and institutions don’t cheapskate and skimp on training. They also do not have a whole section of the media constantly dissing and second-guessing entire professions the way conservative media in the west do. They don’t have the culture of backseat driving.

[@Jry088]

I hope as the year goes on it gets better for Japan. Not a great start to the new year. Prayers to Japan

[@misiatan1183]

Much appreciated for a clear and explanation from this channel news. Amazing JAL crew (been flying with them for years) to safely guide all passengers.

[@NUNVAROV]

I'm not surprised they were able to evacuate the A350. Japanese are highly disciplined people, if this happened in any other place most likely passengers would try to get their luggage with them or they would be overwhelmed by fear.

[@stuartlee6622]

No Africans...?

[@akob3349]

The people who know how to maintain discipline on that flight are most Chinese tourists.

[@billykulim5202]

@@akob3349 most asian country doing the same, not just chinese, low dicipline people, priority their luggage rather other passenger safety

[@einsam_aber_frei]

My experience told me Chinese tourists don’t always listen to flight attendants instructions. In terms of discipline and following safety guidelines, Japanese scored far better in their track records.

[@yggdrasil9039]

This amazing survival record would not have been acheivable in the West. There would have been people talking in multiple languages, people not knowing what to do, everyone wanting to do their own thing, cultural misunderstandings, people selfishly attempting to retrieve hand luggage, arguments... and there would have been many fatalities as a result.

[@Dismay992]

Huh? The procedure to evacuate an aircraft is no different anywhere in the world. It's almost completely common sense, so not sure how people would not know what to do like you claim.

[@yonettekelly2406]

This is so so sad. Thank God the 379 passengers and crew membèrs are safe. My condolences to the families who lost their love ones on the other plane. Oh my goodness this made me cry. Hearing the voices of the children. 90 seconds to get out. Leave everything and get out as fast as you can. Then run away from it. Run not walk.

[@matthewbaynham6286]

My guess as to why they were able to evacuate in the 90 second limit is the fact that people could see massive flames out of all the windows, and this motivated them to move fast.

[@zufar1221]

Not just that, but the passengers are very disciplined and orderly. You can find videos taken by passenger inside the plane moment before evacuation, on japanese media youtube. They all remain seated even after the plane stopped because the crew didnt give them instruction to disembark, while the crew assesing which evac route are safe. Despite many children already crying in distress.

[@noah-j00]

they pulled this off because it was Japanese. if it was Americans , they would’ve pushed over people to get out first and tripped over each other leaving at least dozens of causalities behind

[@Mansikkacake]

I've been traveling between Japan and USA a lot for over 20 years. It would be definitely different outcome if passengers were American. Good to see over 300 people listened and followed the instruction, and evacuated within few mins! Even regular flights Japanese people grabbing their luggages and getting off the planes way faster than Americans. Culture and body size differences.

[@POKENAR]

There have been previous accidents where moving fast actually caused delays, as people pushed and shoved each other to get out first. The key is to follow instructions, and then move quickly, but orderly, as instructed

[@idpro83]

Actually that would have had the opposite effect. People would be panicking and therefore making evacuation more difficult. Luckily Japanese people are disciplined.

[@UncleJoeLITE]

Always respect & listen to your cabin crew. This is why.

[@anilnavani3619]

The remarkable discipline of the Japanese people!

[@steeleaquain]

So lucky the pilot was able to keep control of the plane and keep it straight. If it had of rolled or broke up, then your’re looking at few survivors.

[@frozensmile6563]

The flight attendants repeatedly shouted, "Stay calm. Do not carry luggage." All passengers were ejected from the plane within 8 minutes of the collision.

[@electro_sykes]

I have been in a seaplane crash before on Hamilton Island. Regardless of how many people there are on an aircraft, the best thing is to stay calm and evacuate.

[@russn4933]

Are you kidding me? That air crew was so smart for not opening ALL THE DOORS. They would have killed most of the passengers if they had opened the rear doors.

[@srwagner324]

Deeply sendind condolences who lost beloved ones. Gods comforting be with Japanese peoples in this difficult times🙏

[@AggroJordan86]

The crew must have done a heroic job here! Good to see that airline and aircraft safety procedures did what they were supposed to do. Condolences to those in the coast guard and their families. They died on a mission yo help others ....

[@andrerodriguez7603]

If this happened in the US, unfortunately half of the passengers would have died, because we don’t follow directions.

[@liviujivan5680]

RIP for the emergency crew members 😢 However it's a miracle that all of the commercial passangers and crew survived, just goes go show how smart the Japanese are, paying attention to the safety instructions and all acting as one. If this would've occurred anywhere outside of Japan, I estimate that at least 50-100 people could've died, due to panic and hysteria.

[@duanebidoux6087]

I am so happy for all those who survived with such a small relative loss of life. The people who died apparently were going to help others at a time when a country is already is shock. I can't imagine being a passenger glancing out my window and seeing that while we're waiting to depart the gate or rolling toward takeoff. I'd be like "get me back." My thoughts go to the people of Japan who are facing a challenging time.

[@JMsoo]

Japanese people are so disciplined, follows rules and instructions reason why they all survived onboard the JAL plane. Its unfortunate for the coast guard crew, the impact must have been critical!

[@MrStark-up6fi]

It’s a miracle all those passengers in the airliner made it out alive, truly shows how planes are a landslide safer than cars. My condolences to those who lost their lives

[@ilse-u6x]

Folks in Japan are Amazing

[@joan-mariacbrooks]

My condolences to the families of the Coast Guard aircraft. I am amazed that the passengers in the other plane all survived and it reinforces listening to the flight attendants.

[@Breznak]

Congratulations to the reporter on asking intelligent questions (doesn't happen too often when aviation is being reported on)

[@juliecasey5196]

Rest In Peace to those lives lost my condolences to their families🙏

[@g.h.7755]

THAN YOU for the expert clarifying it’s NOT the passengers who “managed out”: this is 100% FLIGHT ATTENDANTS’ JOB: they are the TRUE HEROINES IN THIS STORY. Would they have not made their job properly, the aftermath could have been completely different. Flight attendants are A LOT MORE than people who serve food on the plane: they are all security and safety experts who can save your life in any event.

[@noelmaher4633]

Brilliant crew response, also Japanese citizens follow the rules, no scrambling for overhead bags (we have all seen videos) . Crew would of responded immediately and passengers did exactly as instructed..RIP Coast Guard crew..

[@akai.christo]

Condolences for those that didn’t make it and their family, close ones and friends. My respect to the discipline of both the crew to leader and the passengers to follow.

[@rs646dd]

It is not a miracle that all passengers survived, but thanks to the precise actions of the cabin crew. The cabin crew had judged the exits that could be opened in a cabin engulfed in flames, and had given precise instructions to escape without their luggage. As the telephone lines to the cockpit were disconnected, the cabin crew in the back seat had to use their own judgement to determine an escape route. In the end, three of the eight escape exits were usable. Finally, the captain took a final look around the cabin and evacuated the few remaining passengers before making the final escape. It was not a miracle, but it was brave.

[@MikeSamuelsII-ve8gp]

The reason everyone survived the Airbus fire was that the Japanese have better manners and a sense of civic duty beyond what we have in the west. A lesson to be learned.

[@newnewhutchison991]

I'm sorry Japan for everything you are going through

[@chrispnw2547]

I recently took a flight from SFO to SEA on Delta Airlines and was shocked that upon descent, there was no requirement to open window shades or direction to do so by the flight crew. Row upon row were closed (and the cabin was dark) and should an incident had occurred, there would have been no situational awareness. I will be reporting this to Delta Airlines management.

[@SUNofNY]

Anyone coming off a plane in an emergency landing with luggage in hand should be charged with a felony. This should be part of the pre-flight passenger safety brief.

[@RobertoTorres-gi8vh]

Could have been more deaths . Excellent prevention safety measures !! RIP for the rest who did make it, cost guard crew.

[@TheKira699]

Interesting to note how the doors slightly forward of the wings were not opened, the reason being that the engines were still spinning and on fire.