A chilling crash at Hong Kong International Airport has claimed two lives after a cargo jet careered off the runway, smashed into a car, and plunged into the sea.
Runway Horror: Plane Slams Into Car Before Ditching in Water
A Boeing 747-400, hurtling at roughly 90 knots (104 mph), skidded off the north runway just before 4am local time. The jet clipped a car parked near the runway, ripping off its tail, then smashed through a seawall and plunged into the Zhujiang River Estuary.
Divers recovered one occupant from the car, a 30-year-old, who was pronounced dead at 5:55am. Another passenger, aged 41, was pulled out alive and rushed to North Lantau Hospital but died less than an hour later, reports say.
Crew Walk Away as Authorities Launch Full Investigation
All four crew aboard Emirates flight EK9788, operated by Turkish charter firm Air ACT, escaped unhurt. The cargo jet had taken off from Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport and was due to land in Hong Kong shortly after 4am.
The north runway remains closed as officials probe the crash. The Civil Aviation Department expressed serious concern and is working closely with the Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Agency to find out what went wrong.
“The Civil Aviation Department is highly concerned about this incident and is following up with the relevant airport units, including the airlines involved,” officials said.
Tragic Toll and Investigation Underway
- Two people inside the car struck by the plane died at the scene and hospital.
- All four crew members onboard survived without injuries.
- Investigations are ongoing by Emirates, ACT Airlines, and local aviation authorities.
