Two Hong Kong airport security staff were killed when a cargo plane skidded off a runway, hit their patrol vehicle, and ploughed into the sea. Emirates flight EK9788 was arriving from Dubai at about 03:50 local time on Monday (19:50 GMT on Sunday) when it veered off the runway, crashed through perimeter fencing, and collided with the vehicle, pushing it into the water.
The two people inside died. The Boeing 747 ended up partly submerged, but its four crew survived. Officials are investigating the cause of the crash on the north runway. Two other runways remain operational. It is one of the deadliest aviation incidents in years at Hong Kong International Airport, which has a good safety record.
Investigators will focus on unanswered questions over the path taken by the plane upon landing. Airport officials insist they provided proper guidance to the aircraft. Airport operations executive director Steven Yiu stated that the patrol car was at a safe distance from the runway. Yet, he noted, the plane unexpectedly turned toward the sea and collided with the patrol vehicle.
Divers located the bodies of the 30 and 41-year-old ground staff, both of whom had extensive experience. Hong Kong's transport bureau expressed condolences for the tragic loss, while Emirates confirmed the crew members were safe, and clarified that there was no cargo onboard at the time of the incident.
A police spokesperson indicated that criminal investigations could not be discounting, as officials searched for flight data and voice recorders from the wreckage. The affected runway would remain shut for the remainder of the day, affecting multiple scheduled flights and marking a somber moment in the airport's history.
The two people inside died. The Boeing 747 ended up partly submerged, but its four crew survived. Officials are investigating the cause of the crash on the north runway. Two other runways remain operational. It is one of the deadliest aviation incidents in years at Hong Kong International Airport, which has a good safety record.
Investigators will focus on unanswered questions over the path taken by the plane upon landing. Airport officials insist they provided proper guidance to the aircraft. Airport operations executive director Steven Yiu stated that the patrol car was at a safe distance from the runway. Yet, he noted, the plane unexpectedly turned toward the sea and collided with the patrol vehicle.
Divers located the bodies of the 30 and 41-year-old ground staff, both of whom had extensive experience. Hong Kong's transport bureau expressed condolences for the tragic loss, while Emirates confirmed the crew members were safe, and clarified that there was no cargo onboard at the time of the incident.
A police spokesperson indicated that criminal investigations could not be discounting, as officials searched for flight data and voice recorders from the wreckage. The affected runway would remain shut for the remainder of the day, affecting multiple scheduled flights and marking a somber moment in the airport's history.
