Two Dead After Cargo Plane Crashes Into Sea at Hong Kong Airport

At least two people were killed after a cargo aircraft skidded off the runway and crashed into the sea at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday morning.

The Emirates flight EK9788, arriving from Dubai, went off the north runway around 3.50am local time, police said. The Boeing 747 freighter failed to stop in time and partly landed in the water.

Police said the aircraft hit a ground service vehicle during landing, pushing it into the sea. Two ground staff were inside the vehicle. A 30-year-old worker died at the scene, and a 41-year-old was later declared dead at hospital.

More than 200 firefighters and first aid officers took part in the rescue mission using 45 vehicles, ships and a helicopter. The four crew members broke open a door to escape before being rescued from the water.

The Civil Aviation Department said the plane «deviated from the north runway after landing and ditched into the sea.» Photos showed the aircraft partly submerged with its nose and tail sections separated.

Airport authorities said passenger flights are not affected, though at least 12 cargo flights have been canceled. The north runway remains closed, while two others continue to operate.

Officials are now searching for the flight data and cockpit voice recorders. Emirates said the aircraft was a Boeing 747 cargo plane operated by ACT Airlines and confirmed that no cargo was on board.

According to FlightRadar24, the aircraft was 32 years old and had previously been used as a passenger plane before being converted into a freighter.