Two airport security staff were killed early Monday when a cargo plane arriving from Dubai skidded off the runway at Hong Kong International Airport and crashed into the sea.
The Emirates flight EK9788, operated by Turkish carrier ACT Airlines, veered off course during landing at around 03:50 local time (19:50 GMT).
The Boeing 747-481 cargo aircraft collided with an airport patrol vehicle before plunging into the water, killing the two people inside the vehicle instantly. All four crew members aboard the aircraft survived.
Deadliest airport incident in years
The crash marks one of Hong Kong’s most serious aviation incidents in decades. The city’s international airport has long maintained a strong safety record, making Monday’s tragedy particularly shocking.
According to Airport Operations Executive Director Steven Yiu, the patrol vehicle had been traveling “at a safe distance” on a road outside the runway’s fencing when the aircraft suddenly turned away from the runway and smashed through the barrier.
“The car definitely did not run out onto the runway,” Yiu clarified at a press briefing. “Normally, the plane is not supposed to turn towards the sea.”
Investigation underway into cause of crash
Airport authorities confirmed that the plane did not issue a distress signal before landing. Emergency services arrived at the scene within two minutes of the crash. Divers later recovered the bodies of the two ground staff from the sea.
The victims, aged 30 and 41, had seven and twelve years of service respectively. The Transport Bureau said it was “deeply saddened” by their deaths and extended condolences to their families.
An Emirates spokesperson told the BBC that the plane “sustained damage on landing in Hong Kong” but confirmed there was no cargo onboard and that the crew were safe.
Wreckage and rescue efforts
Images from the crash site showed the aircraft split in half, with part of its fuselage submerged in the sea. Large cracks were visible along the body of the plane, and at least one evacuation slide was successfully deployed.
Authorities have cordoned off the area and launched a full investigation to determine whether pilot error, mechanical failure, or weather conditions contributed to the crash.
