Two Killed as Cargo Plane Skids Off Hong Kong Runway

Two Killed as Cargo Plane Skids Off Hong Kong Runway

Two people were killed early Monday after a cargo plane skidded off a runway and plunged into the sea while landing in Hong Kong, following an apparent collision with a ground vehicle, officials said.

According to the Civil Aviation Department, the Boeing 744 cargo aircraft arriving from the United Arab Emirates veered off the North Runway shortly after touchdown and ended up in the sea.

“Preliminary reports indicate that all four crew members on board were rescued and taken to hospital, while two ground staff were affected and fell into the sea,” the department said in a statement.

Authorities believe the aircraft struck a ground vehicle during landing, sending both the plane and the vehicle into the water.

A 30-year-old man working on the ground vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene, while another, aged 41, succumbed to injuries after being taken to hospital.

The airport’s north runway was temporarily closed following the incident, though the remaining two runways continued operating normally.

An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the accident.