Runway Horror in Hong Kong: Emirates Cargo Plane From Dubai Plunges Into Sea

A cargo plane arriving from Dubai has run off the runway and plunged partly into the sea at the Hong Kong International Airport, leaving two people dead. The incident occurred at around 03:53 am local time on Monday when Emirates SkyCargo flight EK9788, operated by Turkish carrier Air ACT, landed on the airport’s north runway (07R) after departing from Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai. The Boeing 747-481 (BDSF), registered TC-ACF, reportedly veered left midway through its landing roll before crashing into a ground-service vehicle and coming to rest with its nose over the seawall. According to local media, sources said the impact sheared off one of the vehicle’s wheels. The four crew members on board the freighter escaped unharmed.Two men aboard the ground vehicle, who were initially reported missing, have been confirmed dead. One, aged 30, was pulled from the sea and confirmed dead at the scene at 5:55 am. The other, aged 41, was sent to North Lantau Hospital and was confirmed dead at 6.26 am.Rescue operations are under way, involving fire services, marine police and a Government Flying Service helicopter. Emergency teams have cordoned off the area around the runway as the search continues. Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 indicated that the aircraft’s landing trajectory suddenly shifted left shortly after touchdown. A Cathay Pacific flight, CX851, which was preparing to land on the same runway, was forced to abort its approach and divert to the south runway following the crash. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the incident. Officials said the north runway will remain closed until debris is cleared and safety inspections are completed. The Airport Authority Hong Kong has yet to issue a statement. Following the incident, the airport’s north runway has been temporarily closed.