A major accident occurred at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday when a cargo plane slid off the runway and crashed near the sea, killing two airport workers. The incident has shocked aviation authorities and raised questions about runway safety. The cargo aircraft hit a security patrol vehicle during landing, killing both men inside. Fortunately, all four crew members of the cargo jet survived with minor injuries.
According to initial reports, the cargo plane was a Boeing 747 that had arrived from Dubai. It was not carrying any cargo when the accident took place. The aircraft lost control while landing at around 3:50 a.m. local time and veered past the runway barrier before partially submerging in the nearby water. Rescue teams quickly arrived at the site and pulled out the victims, but both were pronounced dead soon after.
Airport authorities confirmed that weather and runway conditions were normal at the time of landing. However, the north runway has been temporarily closed to allow investigators to examine the crash scene. Flight operations on other runways continued as normal with minimal disruption.
Photos from the scene showed the cargo aircraft severely damaged, with its fuselage cracked and tail section broken apart. Investigators from Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department are now looking into possible technical and human errors. They are focusing on factors such as the plane’s landing speed, braking system, and ground communication.
Officials described this as the most serious airport accident in Hong Kong in over 20 years. The airport authority has expressed deep condolences to the families of the two deceased staff members and has pledged full support during the investigation.
Experts say the tragedy serves as a reminder of the high risks in airport ground operations and the need for strict safety protocols during cargo handling and runway management. The findings of the ongoing investigation are expected to help improve safety procedures for future flights.
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