Two Dead as Cargo Plane Skids Off Hong Kong Runway into Sea

BREAKING: A tragic accident at Hong Kong International Airport has left two security officers dead after a Boeing 747 cargo plane skidded off the runway and into the sea early this morning. The incident occurred at approximately 3:50 a.m. local time on October 20, 2023.

According to the Hong Kong airport authority, the cargo plane collided with a security patrol car on the north runway, pushing it into the water. The two officers in the vehicle were critically injured; one was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other succumbed to injuries at a nearby hospital. The officers had dedicated seven and twelve years of service to airport security, adding to the tragedy of the incident.

During a press conference, Steven Yiu Siu-Chung, executive director for airport operations, confirmed that the plane “deviated from the North Runway after landing and ditched into the sea.” He emphasized that the patrol vehicle was safely stationed outside the runway fences when the collision occurred.

Emergency response teams were deployed in full force, with 213 firefighters and 45 emergency vehicles and ships rushing to the scene. Four crew members aboard the cargo plane were rescued and transported to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, they were reported to be safe, as confirmed by Emirates Airlines, which stated there was no cargo on board at the time of the accident.

Eyewitness photos reveal the devastating aftermath, showing the plane’s fuselage in pieces, with the tail separated from the main body. The north runway remains closed as investigations are underway, while the south and center runways continue to operate normally, ensuring that over 1,000 scheduled flights at Hong Kong’s airport will not be affected.

The cargo flight was arriving from Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, but full details surrounding the cause of the accident are still developing. Investigators from the Hong Kong civil aviation department are currently on-site to gather evidence and determine the circumstances leading to this tragic event.

This incident highlights the risks inherent in aviation operations and the critical role of airport security personnel. As investigations unfold, the community mourns the loss of two dedicated security officers who served their airport with commitment.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.