Cargo Plane Crash in Hong Kong: Two Dead After Runway Skid

UPDATE: Two people are dead following a tragic incident at Hong Kong International Airport where a cargo plane skidded off the runway into the sea early this morning. The Boeing 747, arriving from Al Maktoum International Airport, crashed at approximately 3:50 a.m. local time on October 20, 2023.

According to the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department, the cargo flight deviated from the North Runway after landing and “ditched into the sea.” The incident escalated when the plane collided with an airport security patrol car, pushing it into the water. Tragically, both officers inside the vehicle did not survive; one was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other succumbed to injuries at a nearby hospital, as confirmed by airport officials.

During a press conference, Steven Yiu Siu-Chung, executive director for airport operations, stated that the patrol car was on a designated route and a safe distance from the runway at the time of the accident. He emphasized, “The vehicle was definitely outside the fences and did not run out onto the runway.”

The incident has prompted a significant emergency response, with 213 firefighters and 45 emergency vehicles deployed to the scene. Four crew members aboard the cargo plane were rescued and have been taken to the hospital for treatment, but they are reported to be safe.

The North Runway remains closed as investigations proceed, although the South and Center Runways are still operational. Airport authorities have assured the public that the over 1,000 flights scheduled today will not be affected.

Images from the accident site reveal the cargo plane’s fuselage in pieces, with the tail section detached, highlighting the severity of the incident.

Emirates Airlines has confirmed that the crew members are safe and that there was no cargo on board at the time of the crash. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding this devastating event is ongoing, with officials vowing to provide updates as more information becomes available.

As details continue to emerge, this incident raises significant concerns about airport safety and operations. Stay tuned for more developments as authorities work to uncover the full story behind this tragic accident.