At least two individuals lost their lives when a cargo plane skidded off the runway at Hong Kong International Airport and plunged into the sea during its landing. The incident occurred as the flight from Dubai attempted to land around 3:50 AM local time, veering off the runway during what authorities described as a crash landing.
Following the runway mishap, the plane crashed through fencing and collided with a patrol car outside the runway, resulting in the tragic deaths of two ground staff members, according to official reports. The Airport Authority Hong Kong expressed deep sorrow over the incident and assured full support and assistance to the affected families.
Despite the tragic event, the airport operations are expected to continue without significant disruptions, with the north runway closed but the south and center runways remaining operational. Emergency response teams swiftly mobilized to the scene, providing assistance from both land and sea, as depicted in the latest images capturing the aftermath of the crash.
The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) confirmed that immediate rescue efforts were initiated, with the four crew members rescued and sent to the hospital, while two ground staff members were affected and fell into the sea. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, with the Air Accident Investigation Authority actively involved in identifying the circumstances and preventing future occurrences.
An Emirates spokesperson clarified that the damaged aircraft was a Boeing 747-400 wet leased from Act Airlines, with the crew reported safe and no cargo onboard during the incident. The authorities emphasized that flight safety remains a top priority, with collaborative efforts among relevant agencies to ensure the continued safety of airport operations.
This tragic event marks the second deadly incident at Hong Kong International Airport since its relocation in 1998, with authorities committed to thorough investigations and safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.