Freighter Overshoots Runway and Enters the Sea in Hong Kong
An Emirates cargo plane skidded off the runway at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday morning, plunging into the sea and tragically killing two airport ground workers.
The freighter, Flight EK9788 from Dubai, touched down at about 03:50 local time (19:50 GMT) before veering off course and colliding with an airport patrol vehicle.
Both occupants of the patrol vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene, while the aircraft’s four crew members survived. Authorities described the crash as one of Hong Kong’s most serious aviation incidents in recent years.
The airport – renowned for its strong safety record – has launched a full investigation to determine the cause. Officials said the crew had received correct landing instructions, and that runway markings and signage were clearly visible at the time.
According to preliminary findings, the patrol vehicle had been driving along a service road outside the runway’s fenced perimeter “at a safe distance” when the plane suddenly broke through the barrier and struck it, sending both the aircraft and vehicle into the water.
An Emirates spokesperson confirmed that the freighter “sustained damage upon landing in Hong Kong” but noted that “no cargo was onboard.” All four crew members evacuated through the emergency exits shortly after impact and were rescued within minutes by responding fire crews.
