BREAKING: A devastating incident at Hong Kong International Airport has left two security officers dead after a cargo plane skidded off the runway and plunged into the sea. The Boeing 747 was landing when it veered off the north runway at around 3:50 a.m. local time on October 20, 2023.
The aircraft collided with a security patrol car, pushing it into the water. According to the Hong Kong airport authority, one officer was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second succumbed to injuries at a hospital. Both officers had dedicated seven and twelve years to airport security.
During a press conference, Steven Yiu Siu-Chung, the executive director for Hong Kong’s airport operations, confirmed that the patrol vehicle was stationed a safe distance from the runway and “definitely did not run out onto the runway.” The incident is currently under investigation, with officials looking into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Rescue efforts saw four crew members from the cargo plane safely retrieved and hospitalized. A total of 213 firefighters and emergency responders were dispatched, utilizing 45 vehicles and ships for the operation.
Images from the scene reveal a horrific sight, with the plane’s fuselage in pieces and the tail section detached. The cargo flight had arrived from Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, and fortunately, there was no cargo on board, according to Emirates.
Despite the tragedy, operations at the airport continue, with the south and center runways remaining open. Officials report that over 1,000 scheduled flights will not be disrupted, although the north runway is currently closed.
As investigations continue, urgent attention will focus on ensuring the safety of airport operations moving forward. This incident underscores the dangers faced by airport personnel and the need for stringent safety measures in aviation.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as this story develops.
