At least two individuals lost their lives when a cargo aircraft skidded off the runway at Hong Kong International Airport and crashed into the sea during its landing. The incident occurred as the flight from Dubai was attempting to touch down around 3:50 am local time. The airport authority in Hong Kong reported that the plane veered off course during the landing process, crashing through fencing and striking a patrol car, resulting in the fatalities of two ground staff members.
Following the tragic event, airport officials have not ruled out the possibility of a criminal inquiry. The chief accident and safety investigator for Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority mentioned that no distress call was received from the pilot, emphasizing that air traffic control directed the flight to the north runway without any request for assistance.
In response to the crash, emergency responders swiftly rescued four crew members from the aircraft, while two security personnel were retrieved from the sea, with one pronounced dead at the scene and the other at the hospital. The airport authority assured that despite the incident, flight operations at Hong Kong International Airport are not anticipated to be significantly impacted, with no disruptions expected for the day’s scheduled 1,000 flights.
Images from the scene depict a substantial emergency presence, with rescue efforts carried out both on land and in the sea. A preliminary report from the Civil Aviation Department indicated that the north runway was closed due to the accident, with the south and center runways remaining operational. The Transport and Logistics Bureau expressed deep sorrow over the accident, emphasizing the importance of flight safety and the commitment to a thorough investigation in collaboration with relevant authorities.
An Emirates spokesperson confirmed that the affected flight was a cargo aircraft operated by Act Airlines and wet-leased by Emirates, with the crew reported safe and no cargo onboard. The Air Accident Investigation Authority has initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances and causes of the accident to prevent future occurrences.
Officials clarified that the plane did not issue a distress signal during landing, and the ongoing investigation aims to uncover the reasons behind the crash. The fire services department deployed a significant response team to the scene promptly after the incident, with no updates on injuries to the rescued crew members. The aircraft involved, a Boeing 747-400 converted into a freighter, has a history with various airlines before being utilized for Emirates SkyCargo Flight 9788.
The closure of the north runway marks a temporary operational adjustment at the airport, with the center and south runways maintaining normal activities. This incident represents the second fatal event at Hong Kong International Airport since its relocation in 1998, following a previous deadly occurrence in 1999.
