Emirates Cargo Plane Crash in Hong Kong After Runway Skid Leaves Two Dead

An Emirates cargo plane skidded off a runway at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday. The Boeing 747-400 aircraft ended up partially submerged in the sea. The incident resulted in two fatalities.

Authorities confirmed the two deceased were ground staff in a vehicle near the runway. The four crew members on board the flight from Dubai were safely rescued.

Details of the Emirates Plane Crash

The accident occurred around 3:50 a.m. local time. The aircraft, operating as flight EK9788, landed during a period of heavy rain. It then veered off the north runway and slid into the water.

Visuals from the scene showed the plane’s front section and cockpit above the surface. The tail section of the aircraft appeared to have broken off. Rescue boats and fire engines quickly surrounded the stranded jet.

According to Reuters, the plane is believed to have struck a ground vehicle during the incident. That vehicle also fell into the sea. Emergency crews worked swiftly in difficult conditions.

Response and Investigation into the Hong Kong Incident

Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department has launched a full investigation. They confirmed the plane “deviated from the north runway after landing and ditched into the sea.” The Air Accident Investigation Authority has been notified.

Emirates issued a statement confirming the incident. The airline reported the crew was safe. They also clarified the aircraft was carrying no cargo at the time.

The north runway remains closed for the investigation. Airport officials confirm the airport’s other runways are fully operational. This has minimized overall disruption to air traffic in the busy hub.

The investigation into this tragic Emirates cargo plane crash will focus on the combination of adverse weather and the moments after touchdown. The findings will be crucial for enhancing safety protocols at one of the world’s busiest airports.

Thought you’d like to know

What type of plane was involved in the Hong Kong crash?

The aircraft was a Boeing 747-400 cargo plane. It is a widely used jumbo jet for international freight operations. This model has a strong safety record over many decades.

Were there any survivors on the plane?

Yes, all four crew members on the Emirates flight survived. They were successfully rescued from the aircraft. The two fatalities were airport ground staff in a separate vehicle.

What caused the plane to skid off the runway?

The official cause is under investigation. Initial reports indicate the plane landed during heavy rain. Poor visibility and wet runway conditions are likely factors being examined.

Has Hong Kong’s airport closed after the accident?

No, the airport remains open. Only the specific north runway where the incident occurred is closed. The other runways are handling all air traffic as normal.

Where was the Emirates flight arriving from?

Flight EK9788 was arriving from Dubai. It was a dedicated cargo service. The plane had no passengers on board during the incident.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, South China Morning Post, Agence France-Presse.