Police believe Emirates cargo plane struck vehicle while landing at Hong Kong International Airport. North runway is temporarily closed
One person was killed after a cargo plane slid off the north runway of Hong Kong International Airport early on Monday morning, apparently striking a ground vehicle and plunging partially into the sea, police have said.
At about 4am, Emirates flight EK9788 from Dubai veered off the runway while landing, according to police, who said it is suspected to have struck a ground service vehicle in the process.
The aircraft, a Boeing 747 freighter, failed to stop in time and partly landed in the waters off the airport’s north runway. Initial reports suggest the plane also knocked the ground vehicle into the sea.
Two men aboard the vehicle were initially reported missing, but one, aged 30, has since been confirmed dead, while police say the other, aged 41, has been sent to North Lantau Hospital. His status is unknown.
All four of the flight’s crew members escaped unharmed.
As a result of the incident, the airport’s north runway has been temporarily closed.
Hong Kong’s Government Flying Service has deployed helicopters to assist in the search and rescue operation, officials said.
