Two individuals lost their lives when a cargo plane skidded off the runway at Hong Kong International Airport and crashed into the sea during its landing. The aircraft, arriving from Dubai, was attempting to land at approximately 3:50 am local time when the tragic incident occurred. Reports from Hong Kong’s airport authority indicated that the plane veered off the runway during the crash landing, breaking through fencing and colliding with a patrol car outside the designated area, resulting in the deaths of two ground staff members.
Airport authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a criminal investigation following the crash, as mentioned by Mr. Yiu. Man Ka-chai, the chief accident and safety investigator for Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority, stated that no distress signal was received from the pilot, and the flight was directed by air traffic control to land on the north runway.
Steven Yiu, the executive director of airport operations at Airport Authority Hong Kong, confirmed the prompt rescue of four aircraft crew members by the Fire Department, while two security staff members were tragically pronounced dead. Despite the incident, airport operations are expected to continue without significant disruptions, as stated by the Airport Authority’s executive director.
The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) reported the closure of the North Runway due to the accident, with the South and Centre Runways remaining operational. The CAD is actively collaborating with relevant parties at the airport, including the airline involved, to support the investigation. Additionally, the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) expressed condolences for the loss of the ground staff members and emphasized the importance of flight safety.
An Emirates spokesperson confirmed that the damaged cargo aircraft involved in the incident was a Boeing 747-400 operated by Act Airlines, with no cargo onboard and all crew members safe. The Hong Kong Air Accident Investigation Authority has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident to prevent future occurrences.
The Fire Department deployed 213 firefighters and first aid officers to the scene, along with 45 vehicles and ships, responding swiftly to the incident. Steven Yiu detailed the sequence of events, explaining how the plane went off the runway, crashed through the fencing, and collided with a patrol car, pushing it into the sea. Notably, the aircraft, a converted Boeing 747-481 (BDSF), is over 30 years old and has a history of service with various airlines.
The closure of the north runway following the accident has not significantly impacted airport operations, with the centre and south runways maintaining functionality. This marks the second fatal incident at Hong Kong International Airport since its relocation in 1998, with the previous one occurring in 1999.