Two individuals lost their lives in a tragic incident at Hong Kong International Airport when a cargo plane skidded off the runway during a landing attempt and plunged into the sea. The flight, originating from Dubai, was scheduled to land at approximately 3:50 am local time when the accident occurred. According to the airport authority, the plane veered off the runway during the crash landing, crashing through fencing and colliding with a patrol car on the runway perimeter, resulting in the deaths of two ground staff members.
Following the crash, airport authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a criminal investigation. The chief accident and safety investigator for Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority mentioned that they had not received any distress call from the pilot before the incident. The executive director of airport operations at Airport Authority Hong Kong confirmed that four aircraft crew members were swiftly rescued by the Fire Department, while two security staff members were tragically pronounced dead.
Despite the unfortunate event, the Airport Authority stated that operations at Hong Kong International Airport are expected to continue without significant disruptions. The Civil Aviation Department reported that the North Runway was closed due to the accident, while the South and Centre Runways remained operational. The Transport and Logistics Bureau expressed deep concern over the incident and emphasized the importance of flight safety in collaboration with relevant authorities.
An Emirates spokesperson clarified that the damaged cargo aircraft involved in the incident was a Boeing 747-400 wet leased from Act Airlines, with no cargo onboard. The Air Accident Investigation Authority has initiated an investigation into the accident to determine its causes and prevent similar incidents in the future. Despite the lack of a distress signal during landing, authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Emergency responders quickly mobilized to the scene, with a significant presence of firefighters and first responders aiding in rescue efforts. The aircraft, which had a history of service with various airlines before being operated by Emirates SkyCargo Flight 9788, went off the runway upon landing, colliding with a patrol car and pushing it into the sea. The tragic incident marks the second deadly event at Hong Kong International Airport since its relocation in 1998.
