Two Hong Kong Airport Security Staff Killed as Cargo Plane Skids Into Sea
Jet From Dubai Overshoots Runway and Collides With Patrol Vehicle
Two airport security officers were killed early Monday after a cargo plane arriving from Dubai skidded off the runway and crashed into their patrol vehicle at Hong Kong International Airport, pushing it into the sea, officials said.
The Boeing 747, operated by Turkey’s ACT Airlines on behalf of Emirates, overshot runway 07L at around 3:50 a.m. local time. The aircraft plunged into the water and was left partially submerged, making it Hong Kong’s deadliest airport incident in more than two decades. All four crew members on board escaped unharmed.
Rescue Efforts and Victims Identified
Emergency teams quickly pulled the two airport security staff from the water. Steven Yiu, Executive Director of Airport Operations at the Airport Authority Hong Kong, confirmed that one officer died at the scene while the other succumbed to injuries later in hospital.
The airport authority said both victims were long-serving employees — one had worked for seven years and the other for twelve. “We extend our deepest condolences to their families and will provide all necessary support,” Yiu said.
Investigation Into Crash Cause
Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Officials are reviewing weather conditions, runway state, aircraft systems, and crew performance.
An air traffic control recording reviewed by Reuters confirmed the pilot had received clearance to land and did not report any technical issues before touchdown. Moments later, a controller was heard announcing, “An incident happened at the airfield just now.”
Man Ka-chai, Chief Accident Investigator at Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority, stated that air traffic control had directed the flight to the north runway but received no distress calls from the pilot before impact.
How the Collision Occurred
According to Yiu, the security patrol vehicle was operating outside the runway fence on its assigned route when the plane suddenly veered left after landing. He stressed that the vehicle “definitely didn’t rush onto the runway,” calling the plane’s deviation from its path “not normal.”
Images from the scene showed the aircraft with AirACT markings partially submerged near the sea wall, its escape slide deployed, and its nose and tail heavily damaged.
Airport Operations Continue
Despite the crash, overall airport operations remained stable. The north runway was closed for safety inspections, while flights continued from the central and southern runways.
Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department confirmed the aircraft “deviated from the north runway after landing and ditched into the sea.” Emirates stated that flight EK9788 sustained damage during landing but was carrying no cargo at the time.
Response From Airlines
ACT Airlines said it was cooperating closely with investigators to determine why the plane veered off course. “All four crew members are safe and in good health,” the airline said in a statement. “We deeply regret the loss of two ground staff and are offering full support to their families.”
FlightRadar24 reported that the 32-year-old aircraft had originally served as a passenger jet before being converted into a freighter. Boeing has not yet commented on the incident.
Deadliest Incident in 25 Years
The crash is Hong Kong’s most serious airport disaster since 1999, when a China Airlines flight crashed during landing, killing three passengers. According to the Aviation Safety Network, no airport incident of this scale has occurred in the city since then.
News Desk | Press Update