Airliner on fire on runway at Tokyo's Haneda airport

A Japan Airlines airplane was in flames on the runway of Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Tuesday, television pictures showed.

The images on broadcaster NHK showed the plane moving briskly along the runway before an explosion of orange flames burst from beneath it.

The cause of the incident was not immediately clear, but television reports said that the Airbus collided with a coastguard aircraft.

BREAKING: Japan Airlines aircraft collided with coast guard plane causing fire. Passengers spotted escaping from burning plane

pic.twitter.com/kGpQsYZ4ZO

— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) January 2, 2024

It was also unclear how many people were on board but reports said passengers were being rushed off.

Officials were not immediately available for comment.

The television footage showed flames coming out windows and the plane's nose on the ground as rescue workers sprayed it.

There was also burning debris on the runway.

動画！羽田空港で日本航空の機体が炎上中！消火作業継続中！海上保安庁の飛行機が衝突！

VIDEO! Japan Airlines aircraft on fire at Haneda Airport! Firefighting operations are continuing! Japan Coast Guard plane collided with a plane!

视频！ 羽田机场日本航空公司飞机起火！ 灭火行动正在 pic.twitter.com/56bl93Yosd

— worldwalker (@worldwalker_now) January 2, 2024