What in the World - How to survive a plane crash

Pictures of a burning Japan Airlines plane have been all over the news this week after it collided with a smaller aircraft on a runway in Tokyo.
Amazingly, all 379 passengers in the larger plane survived, thanks to a flawless evacuation.

But how common are plane crashes, and how can you improve your chances of survival? Geoffrey Thomas, the editor of the website Airline Ratings, explains.

Sadly, five died in the smaller aircraft which was on its way to help with rescue efforts following a huge earthquake in Japan on New Year’s Day. The quake ripped apart motorways and left tens of thousands without power.

Japan is used to earthquakes - and takes preparations seriously. What can the world learn from Japan’s efforts to reduce the damage from them? The BBC’s Mariko Oi sends her thoughts.

Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Mora Morrison
Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Published on Thursday, 4th January 2024.

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