Two Hong Kong airport security staff were killed when a cargo plane skidded off a runway, hit their patrol vehicle and ploughed into the sea.
The Emirates flight EK9788 was arriving from Dubai shortly after 3:50 AM local time when it veered off the runway, crashed through perimeter fencing, and collided with the security vehicle, pushing it into the water. The two individuals inside the patrol car, aged 30 and 41 with significant experience, died at the scene and later in a hospital.
Following the incident, the Boeing 747 was found partly submerged, while its four crew members were reported safe after they managed to open emergency exits and were rescued by the fire service.
Officials are actively investigating the crash, focusing on the aircraft's path upon landing. Hong Kong International Airport, known for its strong safety record, has closed the affected runway while the other two remain operational as a precaution.
Airport director Steven Yiu confirmed that the patrol car was operating safely away from the runway when the incident occurred. The investigation will assess weather conditions, runway status, and crew actions during the landing.
Authorities are also searching for the flight data and cockpit voice recorders from the submerged aircraft to discern the circumstances of the crash.
This incident marks a tragic moment for Hong Kong’s aviation sector, being one of the deadliest since the airport's relocation to Chek Lap Kok in 1998, and has already led to 11 flight cancellations.
The transport bureau expressed condolences for the deceased staff members and highlighted the need for thorough investigations into aviation safety moving forward.
