Early-morning crash disrupts operations at busy air hub
A fatal runway accident at Hong Kong International Airport claimed the lives of two airport employees after a Boeing 747 cargo plane ran off the tarmac and struck a patrol vehicle on Monday morning. The freighter, operated by Turkey-based ACT Airlines on behalf of Emirates SkyCargo, had just landed from Dubai when it veered off the north runway at around 3:50 a.m. local time. The aircraft breached the security fence and ended up partially submerged in shallow waters near the perimeter. The four crew members on board were rescued and treated for minor injuries.
Officials launch inquiry into possible technical failure
Investigators from Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority have begun examining the scene and have recovered the flight’s data and cockpit recorders. Authorities confirmed that weather and visibility were normal during the landing, suggesting a potential mechanical or control issue. Engineers and crash specialists are now inspecting the aircraft’s braking system and runway surface for any signs of malfunction. The affected runway remains closed as crews remove debris and assess damage to airport infrastructure.
Flights continue as safety measures reviewed
Despite the closure of one runway, passenger traffic at the airport is largely unaffected, with other runways remaining operational. The Civil Aviation Department expressed its condolences to the victims’ families and vowed to carry out a transparent investigation. The incident, one of the most serious at the airport in recent years, has prompted renewed scrutiny of ground safety and emergency response procedures for personnel working near active runways.
