2 killed as cargo plane crashes in Hong Kong

At least two people have died after Emirates SkyCargo flight EK9788 hit a ground service vehicle and then veered off the runway into the sea at Hong Kong International Airport. The Boeing 747-400 was operated by Turkish carrier Air ACT and was arriving from Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport. The four crew members on board escaped injury, according to media reports. (IMAGE: FlightRadar24) FlightRadar24 said that aircraft veered left off the runway approximately 5,000 feet from the runway threshold: “The 747-400(BDSF) was traveling at 90 knots over the ground as it veered off the runway toward the sea wall. According to granular ADS-B data received by Flightradar24, the aircraft was traveling at 49 knots as it hit the water. The final ADS-B message received from the aircraft showed a speed of 43 knots.” It added that, based on visual evidence showing the aircraft along the sea wall, the 747’s tail was severed as it entered the sea. The north runway remained closed on Monday morning as investigations continued. According to media reports, the freighter struck a ground service vehicle during landing, ripping off one of its wheels and causing severe damage. Two male staff members in the vehicle were thrown into the sea. Firefighters rescued both men at around 5am. The driver was rushed unconscious to North Lantau Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead, while the passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. Corporate Affairs officials at the Airport Authority of Hong Kong told Asian Aviation: “At around 0350hrs, a cargo flight coded UAE9788, flying from Dubai to Hong Kong, skidded off the runway into the sea after landing on the North Runway. Rescue operations commenced immediately following the incident. The four crew members on board have been rescued and taken to hospital…The Airport Emergency Centre has been activated. The North Runway has been closed due to the incident, while the South Runway and Centre Runway will continue to operate.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]