Two Killed After Cargo Plane Skids Off Runway in Hong Kong

Two security workers were killed early Monday after a cargo plane skidded off the north runway of Hong Kong International Airport and collided with their patrol car before plunging into the sea. The four crew members on board the aircraft escaped unharmed.

Boeing 747 Crashes Into Patrol Car

The aircraft, a Boeing 747 operated by ACT Airlines under a wet lease with Emirates, was arriving from Dubai at around 3:50 a.m. local time. Authorities said the plane had taxied about halfway down the runway before veering off to the left, hitting the patrol car, and ending up in the sea.

“The patrol car absolutely did not rush onto the runway. It was the plane that went off the runway and crashed into the patrol car outside the fence,” said Steven Yiu, executive director of airport operations, during a press conference.

Rescue Efforts and Recovery

Fire officials reported that the aircraft broke into two sections upon impact. Rescuers arrived to find the crew waiting for help at the open door of the plane, which was partially submerged in the waters off the airport’s sea wall. Divers located the two security workers trapped inside the car after a 40-minute search.

Television footage showed the nose and cockpit of the aircraft visible above water, while the tail section had broken off.

Airport Operations Continue

The north runway was immediately closed, though the airport’s two other runways remained operational. Steven Yiu confirmed that the incident would not impact flight schedules. Weather conditions at the time were reported as suitable for landing.

Investigation Underway

The Air Accident Investigation Authority has classified the incident as an accident and launched a probe into possible causes, including flight systems, operational procedures, and maintenance records. Investigators are searching for the cockpit voice and flight data recorders.

Emirates stated that the freighter flight EK9788 carried no cargo at the time of the crash. The aircraft, which was 32 years old, was provided under a wet lease arrangement, meaning ACT Airlines was responsible for crew, maintenance, and insurance.

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