Hong Kong — A tragic accident at Hong Kong International Airport left two people dead when a cargo aircraft veered off the runway and crashed into a security vehicle. The incident occurred early Monday morning as the Boeing 747, operated by Turkish ACT Airlines and leased by Emirates, was arriving from Dubai.
The aircraft touched down at approximately 3:50 a.m. local time. According to authorities, the crew did not call for assistance prior to their landing. As the plane was taxiing halfway down the runway, it lost control and veered left, colliding with the parked security patrol vehicle. At the time of the crash, the vehicle was occupied by two security personnel, who tragically lost their lives.
Airport operations executive Steven Yiu clarified that the patrol car was not on the runway when the aircraft skidded off, emphasizing that the plane was at fault for the incident. “The patrol car absolutely did not rush onto the runway. It was the plane that went off the runway and crashed into the patrol car outside the fence,” he stated in a news briefing.
Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene, where they found the aircraft severed in two, partially submerged in the water. The crew members, fortunately unharmed, waited by the open door of the plane for rescue. Rescuers conducted a thorough search for the two security workers, which lasted around 40 minutes, before they were confirmed to be trapped in the vehicle.
Following the crash, the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department announced an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with emergency crews mobilizing quickly to handle the situation.
Experts in aviation safety are also weighing in on the need for further review of runway protocols and communications between air traffic control and flights landing during off-peak hours. As airport authorities continue their investigation, there is growing concern over the adequacy of safety measures in place for both aircraft and ground personnel at busy transport hubs.
The incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by airport employees and highlights the critical importance of stringent operational protocols.