At least two individuals lost their lives as a result of a cargo aircraft sliding off the runway at Hong Kong International Airport and crashing into the sea during its landing attempt. The tragic event occurred as the flight from Dubai was making its landing approach around 3:50 a.m. local time. According to Hong Kong’s airport authority, the plane veered off the runway during the landing, crashing through fencing and colliding with a patrol car, resulting in the deaths of two ground staff members.
Airport authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a criminal investigation following the incident. The chief accident and safety investigator for Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority mentioned that they had not received a distress call from the pilot before the crash. Four aircraft crew members were swiftly rescued by the Fire Department, while two security staff members were tragically pronounced dead.
Despite the accident, the executive director of airport operations at Airport Authority Hong Kong assured that the incident is unlikely to disrupt airport operations. The emergency response at the scene involved a significant presence of rescuers from both land and sea. The Civil Aviation Department reported that the North Runway was closed due to the accident, while the South and Centre Runways remained operational.
The Air Accident Investigation Authority has initiated an investigation into the incident involving a B744 cargo aircraft that deviated from the North Runway after landing and plunged into the sea, resulting in the loss of two lives. The investigation aims to identify the circumstances and causes of the accident to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 747-400 wet leased from Act Airlines, and all crew members were confirmed safe.
An Emirates spokesperson confirmed the aircraft involved in the incident and mentioned that there was no cargo onboard during the landing. The investigation is ongoing to determine the reasons behind the crash, as authorities work to ensure the safety of airport operations. This unfortunate event marks the second fatal incident at Hong Kong International Airport since its relocation in 1998.