A catastrophic accident at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday claimed two lives when an Emirates cargo plane veered off the runway during landing, struck a ground vehicle, broke apart, and plunged into the sea, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 3:50 a.m. when Emirates flight EK9788, a Boeing 747 cargo aircraft arriving from Dubai, skidded off the north runway at Chek Lap Kok and collided with a ground vehicle, according to police. The plane, wet-leased from and operated by ACT Airlines, partially submerged near the airport’s sea wall, its nose and tail sections severed, and an escape slide deployed.
Photos from the scene showed the wreckage of the 32-year-old aircraft, which had previously served as a passenger plane before being converted into a freighter, according to flight tracking service FlightRadar24. The plane carried no cargo, Emirates confirmed in a statement, adding that all four crew members were safely rescued and taken to a hospital for evaluation.
The ground vehicle, however, bore the brunt of the tragedy. Two occupants were pulled from the water, but a 30-year-old passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. The 41-year-old driver was rushed to North Lantau Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries, police said.
The north runway has been closed indefinitely, though the airport’s other two runways remain operational, minimizing disruptions to flight schedules. The Civil Aviation Department emphasized its commitment to a thorough investigation, noting that it has notified the Air Accident Investigation Authority and is providing full support.
“We attach great importance to this incident and are sparing no effort to assist the investigation,” the department said in a statement.
The crash marks the second runway mishap at Hong Kong International Airport in just over a month. On September 8, an HK Express flight from Beijing, UO235, veered off the same north runway during a No. 8 typhoon signal, coming to rest in a grassy area after striking signage boards. No injuries were reported in that incident.
Monday’s accident raises fresh concerns about runway safety at one of Asia’s busiest aviation hubs. The investigation is expected to focus on the circumstances that led the cargo plane to veer off course, including weather conditions, mechanical issues, and potential human factors.
Emirates expressed condolences and pledged cooperation with authorities. “Our thoughts are with those affected by this incident,” the airline said. (source: Agencies)
