Cargo Plane Skids Off Runway at Hong Kong International Airport — Two Security Officers K!lled in Tragic Cr@sh
Hong Kong, Oct 20 (Reuters) — In the quiet, rain-soaked hours before dawn, Hong Kong International Airport—a global symbol of precision, safety, and order—was suddenly thrown into chaos.
A cargo plane arriving from Dubai veered off course during what should have been a routine landing.
In a horrifying chain of events, the Boeing 747 skidded off the runway, smashed through security barriers, struck a patrol vehicle, and plunged into the sea
⚠️ The Moment Everything Went Wrong
The massive freighter, operated by Turkey’s ACT Airlines on behalf of Emirates, was landing on the northern runway at around
Witnesses reported the aircraft suddenly swerved left after touchdown, tearing through a perimeter barrier and colliding with a security patrol car
The force of the collision hurled the vehicle into nearby waters, trapping the officers inside.
“Both officers were pulled from the water unconscious,” confirmed
Steven Yiu, Executive Director of Airport Operations.
“One was pronounced dead at the scene; the other later died in hospital.”
Both men were long-serving members of the airport’s security division—
🙏 Miracle Amid the Chaos
Miraculously, all four crew members aboard Emirates flight EK9788
The aircraft, a 32-year-old Boeing 747 originally designed for passengers and later converted to cargo, now lies partially submerged near the sea wall, its fuselage split open, emergency slides deployed, and cargo compartments flooded.
Photographs from the scene show fire crews and divers battling heavy rain and unstable wreckage to recover victims and secure the area.
🔍 Investigation Underway
Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA)
According to Chief Accident Investigator Man Ka-chai, the Boeing had been cleared to land on
Crucially, no distress calls or mechanical issues were reported before touchdown.
Air traffic control audio obtained by Reuters captured the chilling moment right after impact:
“An incident happened at the airfield just now,” an air traffic controller’s voice can be heard saying—an understatement of a tragedy unfolding in real time.
🏗️ Airport Operations Continue Amid Mourning
Despite the tragedy, Hong Kong International Airport—one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs—remains operational.
The northern runway has been closed for safety inspections, while central and southern runways
Emirates Airlines issued a statement expressing its “deep condolences to the families of the victims” and confirmed its cooperation with investigators.
The airline also clarified that
ACT Airlines echoed the sorrow, promising support for affected families and emphasizing that “the safety and well-being of crew and ground staff remain our top priority.”
As of now, Boeing has not released a public comment on the incident.
🕯️ A Tragic Milestone in Hong Kong Aviation
This crash marks Hong Kong’s deadliest airport tragedy in over 25 years
The last major incident occurred in 1999, when a China Airlines jet crashed during landing, killing three people.
Airport authorities have pledged comprehensive assistance to the victims’ families, including
“These men gave their lives ensuring the safety of others,” said a statement from the Airport Authority.
“Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
💬 Broader Reflections: Safety and Fragility in the Skies
The runway crash is a stark reminder that aviation—no matter how advanced—remains vulnerable to the unpredictable.
Even at one of the world’s most advanced airports, routine can turn into catastrophe in seconds.
Experts note that this incident could spark a broader review of runway safety protocols, wet-weather landing procedures, and crew training for emergency scenarios.
✈️ Conclusion: A Fragile Balance Between Routine and Disaster
The tragedy at Hong Kong International Airport underscores a painful truth: even in the most controlled environments, human lives remain at the mercy of chance and circumstance.
As investigators analyze flight data, cockpit communication, and weather patterns, the hope is clear—to find answers, accountability, and a path to prevention.
For now, two families grieve, an airport mourns, and a city reflects on the fine line between safety and sorrow.
Their loss stands as a solemn testament to those who protect lives behind the scenes—often unseen, yet never unvalued.
