Cargo Plane Crash at Hong Kong Airport Kills 2 Security Officers

URGENT UPDATE: A tragic incident has unfolded at Hong Kong International Airport, where a cargo plane crashed into the sea, claiming the lives of two security officers. The accident occurred at approximately 3:50 a.m. local time on October 20, 2023, during the plane’s landing.

According to officials from Hong Kong’s civil aviation department, a Boeing 747 cargo plane deviated from the north runway and skidded off, colliding with an airport security patrol car. The collision propelled the vehicle into the sea, resulting in the deaths of both officers inside. One was pronounced dead at the crash site, while the other succumbed to injuries at a local hospital.

During a press conference, Steven Yiu Siu-Chung, executive director for airport operations, confirmed that the patrol vehicle was positioned safely outside the runway before the accident. “The car was on a designated patrol route and did not encroach onto the runway,” Yiu stated, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the incident.

Four crew members aboard the cargo plane were rescued and transported to the hospital, with their conditions currently reported as stable. In response to the emergency, 213 firefighters and 45 rescue vehicles were deployed to the scene, underscoring the rapid response to the crisis.

While the north runway is now closed, the south and center runways at Hong Kong’s airport remain operational, and airport officials assure that over 1,000 scheduled flights will not be disrupted. Photos from the scene reveal significant damage, with the plane’s fuselage in pieces and the tail section detached.

The cargo plane was arriving from Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, and as of now, Emirates has confirmed that no cargo was on board at the time of the crash. The incident is under active investigation by local authorities, who are working to uncover the precise cause of this devastating accident.

This incident highlights the risks associated with air travel and the critical role safety measures play in airport operations. The loss of the two dedicated security officers, who served at the airport for 7 and 12 years respectively, serves as a stark reminder of the human impact of aviation accidents.

As this story develops, we will continue to provide updates on the investigation and any additional details regarding the circumstances of this tragic event. Readers are encouraged to stay tuned for further information as it becomes available.