Emirates Cargo Plane Crash in Hong Kong Kills Two Airport Workers

Two security staff died after a plane skidded off a runway into the sea
Wreckage of cargo plane at Hong Kong International Airport.
Wreckage of cargo plane at Hong Kong International Airport.[Social Media]
Updated on
2 min read

A Boeing 747 cargo plane operated by ACT Airlines for Emirates skidded off the north runway at Hong Kong International Airport, crashing through a perimeter fence and striking a security patrol vehicle, killing two airport workers.

The incident, one of the deadliest at the airport since 1998, occurred at 03:50 local time during a landing from Dubai.

The plane, Emirates flight EK9788, ended up partially submerged in the sea, with its fuselage broken and an emergency slide deployed.

The four crew members survived and were hospitalized.

The crash involved a wet-leased Boeing 747-481, which veered off the runway, hit the patrol vehicle, and pushed it into the water five meters from shore.

The victims, aged 30 and 41 with seven and 12 years of experience, were retrieved by divers but could not be revived.

Steven Yiu, executive director of airport operations, stated the patrol car was on a road outside the runway’s fencing, at a safe distance, when struck.

The plane did not send a distress signal, and Yiu noted it was not supposed to turn toward the sea.

Investigation and Airport Impact

Authorities are investigating the cause, focusing on the plane’s path, weather, runway conditions, and crew actions.

The Hong Kong Air Accident Investigation Authority is searching for the flight data and cockpit voice recorders.

The north runway remains closed, but two other runways are operational.

Eleven cargo flights were canceled.

This marks the second fatal incident at the airport since its 1998 opening, following a 1999 crash that killed three.

A police official indicated a criminal investigation is possible.

Emirates confirmed the plane sustained damage but carried no cargo.

Hong Kong’s transport bureau expressed condolences to the victims’ families.

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