A Boeing 747 cargo plane veered off the runway and into the sea while landing at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday morning, resulting in the deaths of two airport ground staff. The incident occurred around 3:50 a.m. local time as the aircraft, operating as Emirates flight EK9788 and leased from Turkish carrier ACT Airlines, was arriving from Dubai.
The aircraft skidded off the northern runway and collided with a security patrol vehicle, pushing it into the sea. The two occupants of the vehicle were unable to be rescued and were confirmed deceased. The four crew members on board the cargo plane were safely rescued and did not sustain any apparent injuries.
Following the crash, the northern runway at Hong Kong International Airport was temporarily closed. However, the airport operator stated that the other two runways remained operational and that flights would generally be unaffected. Images from the scene showed the Boeing 747 partially submerged in water near the airport's sea wall, with its nose and tail sections separated.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the incident. Initial reports suggest that weather and runway conditions were safe at the time of the landing. The Civil Aviation Department of Hong Kong is cooperating with the involved airlines and other parties to determine the sequence of events.
This incident marks a significant event at Hong Kong International Airport, one of Asia's busiest air cargo hubs. The airport authority has expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased ground staff and is providing support during this difficult time. Further updates on the investigation are expected as more information becomes available.
