Japan’s devastating earthquake and plane crash: A double tragedy with increasing death toll
The death toll from the devastating 6.7-magnitude earthquake that rocked Japan’s central sea yesterday has risen to at least 62, with expectations of a further increase. The latest two victims were found in the city of Suzu, northeast of Ishikawa province, bringing the city’s specific death toll to 22.
In Wajima City, at least 24 fatalities were reported. Efforts by emergency services, military, and police continue to locate survivors and those potentially trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.
On the same day, an Airbus A350 of Japan Airlines (JAL), flight 516, collided with an aircraft from the Japan Coast Guard at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo, resulting in a fierce fire. The collision left at least five fatalities, all Coast Guard officials who were en route to assist earthquake victims in the Nagata province.
The pilot suffered serious injuries, while all passengers and crew on flight 516 were evacuated safely, although the plane was completely engulfed by the fire.
Experts in Forensic Medicine from Airbus, the major French commercial aircraft manufacturer, along with the French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA), will travel to Japan to assist with the investigation into the Airbus A350 accident. The BEA revealed via Twitter that four BEA officials and five Airbus Forensic Medicine experts will arrive in Japan today. The aircraft involved was an MSN 538 model, which was delivered to Japan Airlines in November 2023.
The series of powerful earthquakes in western Japan has caused extensive damage to homes, cars, and boats. Thousands of buildings, vehicles, and vessels have been damaged, and officials warn that more quakes could lie ahead.
The efforts to rescue and recover continue amidst the additional challenges posed by the tragic plane collision. The events have led to a significant loss of life and considerable damage, highlighting the nation’s vulnerability to both natural and man-made disasters, reported KhaoSod.
