Two airport ground staff died after a cargo aircraft veered off the runway and plunged into the sea at Hong Kong International Airport in the early hours of Monday morning. 

The accident occurred at around 3.50am when a B744 cargo aircraft, flight number UAE9788 from Al Maktoum International Airport in the United Arab Emirates, lost control after landing on the North Runway.

“A B744 cargo aircraft (flight number UAE9788), arriving from Al Maktoum International Airport, United Arab Emirates, had deviated from the North Runway after landing and ditched into the sea,” the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) said in a statement.

All four crew members on board were rescued and taken to the hospital. However, authorities confirmed that two airport ground staff died in the accident.

A spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) said the government was saddened by the loss of two ground staff members in the accident and extended its deepest condolences to their families.

Air traffic controllers immediately activated emergency response procedures, notifying the Airport Authority and rescue teams.

The North Runway has been closed due to the incident, while the South and Centre Runways remain operational to minimise disruption to flights.

The CAD said it was treating the incident with urgency.

“The Civil Aviation Department attaches great importance to the accident and is following up with the relevant parties at the airport, including the airline involved,” it said.

The incident has been reported to the Air Accident Investigation Authority, which will now probe the cause of the crash.

IOL News

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