Freighter veers off runway and plunges into water
Two members of the airport’s ground security team were killed early Monday after a cargo aircraft slid off a runway at Hong Kong International Airport and struck their patrol vehicle. The Boeing 747-400 freighter, operated by ACT Airlines for Emirates SkyCargo, was completing a flight from Dubai when it lost control during landing around 3:50 a.m. local time. The jet overran the runway, crashed through fencing, and came to rest with its nose in the sea. All four crew members on board escaped with minor injuries.
Authorities recover black boxes as probe begins
Investigators from the Air Accident Investigation Authority have opened an inquiry to determine the cause of the disaster. The aircraft’s flight data and voice recorders have been recovered and sent for analysis. Officials reported that weather conditions were stable at the time, ruling out poor visibility as a factor. Mechanical malfunction or brake failure are being examined as possible causes. The north runway, where the accident occurred, has been shut down temporarily for inspection and cleanup operations.
Operations resume while safety questioned
Airport management confirmed that passenger services continue on the remaining runways, minimizing disruption to flight schedules. The Civil Aviation Department expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that safety procedures would be reviewed in full. The crash is the most serious incident at Hong Kong International Airport in several years and has raised fresh concerns over runway safety for ground personnel working close to active flight paths.
