A devastating accident unfolded early Monday morning at Hong Kong International Airport, resulting in the tragic loss of two ground staff members during a cargo plane’s landing. Emirates SkyCargo flight EK9788, operated by Turkish carrier Air ACT, was arriving from Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport when the incident occurred.

The Boeing 747-481 freighter, registered as TC-ACF, landed on the airport’s north runway 07R at approximately 3:53 a.m. However, flight tracking data from Flightradar24 revealed a sudden and sharp leftward trajectory immediately after touchdown. During the landing roll, the aircraft veered off course, skidding off the runway and partially plunging into the nearby sea.

In a catastrophic sequence of events, the freighter collided with a ground-service vehicle on the runway, causing significant damage to both the vehicle and the aircraft. The impact was so severe that the plane lost one of its wheels, and the two male staff members inside the vehicle were violently thrown into the sea.

Emergency response teams, including firefighters, were quickly deployed to the scene. Rescue operations began around 5 a.m., with the men being pulled from the water. Despite immediate medical intervention, the outcome was heartbreaking. The driver was rushed to North Lantau Hospital in an unconscious state but was later pronounced dead, while the passenger was declared dead at the scene. In contrast, the four crew members aboard the cargo plane miraculously escaped without injury.

The aftermath of the crash prompted extensive search and security operations. The Hong Kong Fire Department and Marine Police, supported by a Flying Service helicopter, conducted thorough searches of the surrounding waters and runway area to ensure no additional casualties or risks existed.

As an immediate consequence, the airport’s north runway (07R) has been closed indefinitely. This closure has significant implications for airport operations, with immediate disruptions to flight schedules. For instance, a Cathay Pacific flight (CX851) scheduled to land shortly after the cargo plane was forced to abort its approach and divert to the south runway for safety.

Authorities have not yet released an official statement about the precise cause of the accident. However, preliminary investigations are expected to explore potential factors such as mechanical issues, human error, or environmental conditions at the time of landing. The incident has raised critical questions about runway safety protocols and the coordination between ground staff and incoming aircraft at one of the world’s busiest airports.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in aviation operations, particularly when handling large cargo aircraft under challenging conditions. Hong Kong International Airport, a crucial hub for both passenger and freight traffic in Asia, will undoubtedly face intense scrutiny over its safety measures and emergency response protocols.

The aviation community and the families of the lost ground workers are left to mourn this devastating incident. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the root causes, supporting the affected families, and implementing measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Passengers and stakeholders are advised to stay informed through reliable sources and check for updates on flight schedules. The ongoing investigation is expected to provide more detailed insights in the coming days, offering a comprehensive understanding of this tragic event.