Two Dead in Daring Hong Kong Plane Crash: Cargo Jet Skids Off Runway and Plunges into Sea
- A devastating plane crash at Hong Kong International Airport has left two people dead and a community in shock.
- The Emirates SkyCargo flight EK9788 collided with a ground patrol vehicle before careening off the runway and into the sea.
- The Boeing 747-400, operated by Turkish carrier Air ACT, was arriving from Dubai when the tragedy occurred at 3.53am local time.
In a heart-stopping moment, the cargo plane veered left before coming to a stop partially submerged in the water, missing a wheel and suffering extensive damage.
The impact sent the ground patrol vehicle, carrying two staff workers, into the sea. The male passenger died at the scene, while the driver was rushed to North Lantau Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Miraculously, the four crew members aboard the plane were not injured in the crash, which has left authorities scrambling to determine the cause.
According to flight-tracking service Flightradar24, the flight had taken six hours and 53 minutes from Dubai. The aircraft, 32 years old, had previously served as a passenger jet before being converted into a freighter.
Emirates said in a statement that the cargo plane was wet leased from Turkish carrier ACT Airlines, meaning the aircraft and crew were supplied by the Turkish operator but flown under the Emirates flight number.
“Crew are confirmed to be safe and there was no cargo onboard,” a spokesperson said, as the airport’s north runway remained closed on Monday morning while investigations continued.
As the community comes to terms with the tragic loss of life, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and dangers associated with air travel.