Cargo Plane Crash in Hong Kong: 2 Dead After Runway Skid

URGENT UPDATE: A tragic accident at Hong Kong International Airport has resulted in the deaths of two security officers after a cargo plane skidded off the runway and plunged into the sea. The incident occurred at approximately 3:50 a.m. local time on October 20, 2023.

According to officials from Hong Kong’s civil aviation department, a Boeing 747 cargo plane veered off the North Runway during landing and crashed through security fencing, colliding with a patrol car that was stationed nearby. The force of the impact pushed the vehicle into the water, resulting in the fatalities of both officers inside. One officer was declared dead at the scene, while the second succumbed to injuries at a hospital.

During a press conference, Steven Yiu Siu-Chung, the executive director for airport operations, detailed that the patrol vehicle was operating a safe distance away from the runway and was “definitely” not on the runway at the time of the incident. Both security officers had served at the airport for seven and twelve years, respectively, highlighting the significant loss to the airport community.

Emergency services responded swiftly, deploying 213 firefighters and emergency personnel, supported by 45 vehicles and ships. Four crew members aboard the cargo plane were rescued and transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Images from the crash site reveal alarming scenes, with the aircraft’s fuselage in pieces and the tail section detached from the main body. Although the North Runway remains closed for investigation, the south and center runways are operational, ensuring that over 1,000 flights scheduled for today continue unaffected, according to airport authorities.

The cargo plane had been arriving from Al Maktoum International Airport, and an initial statement from Emirates confirmed the crew’s safety and noted that there was no cargo on board at the time of the incident. Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to uncover the cause of this tragic event.

Officials urge all travelers to remain informed on flight statuses as updates unfold. More details will be provided as they become available, and the impact of this incident will be closely monitored.