Emirates-Operated Boeing 747 Splits in Half After Collision
Tragedy struck early Monday morning at Hong Kong International Airport when a cargo plane operated by Air ACT for Emirates veered off the runway, crashing through a perimeter fence and pushing a security patrol car into the sea. The incident resulted in the deaths of two airport security personnel, aged 30 and 41.
According to Hong Kong aviation officials, the Emirates flight EK9788 landed on the airport’s north runway around 03:50 local time (19:50 GMT). Moments later, the aircraft broke through the fence and collided with the patrol car parked near the runway’s edge, sending it plunging into the waters adjacent to the airport. Both occupants of the vehicle were later pronounced dead at the scene.
Crew Rescued as Boeing 747 Breaks Apart
The Boeing 747 cargo aircraft, more than 30 years old and previously converted from a passenger jet, split in half after careening into the sea. Fortunately, all four crew members aboard the plane were rescued and transported to a local hospital. Emirates confirmed that none sustained life-threatening injuries and that there was no cargo onboard at the time of the crash.
In a statement to the BBC, Emirates said the aircraft was operating under a wet lease arrangement with Air ACT, a Turkish cargo airline. Under such agreements, the leasing airline provides the aircraft, crew, and maintenance services to another carrier. “We can confirm that the crew are safe, and Emirates is cooperating fully with local authorities,” the company said.
Weather Conditions Were Clear, No Distress Signal Sent
Hong Kong aviation officials stated that weather conditions were clear during the incident, and the plane had received correct landing instructions. The aircraft reportedly made no distress calls or emergency transmissions before landing. Authorities said investigations are ongoing and that a criminal probe has not been ruled out.
Emergency crews responded quickly, deploying marine and fire rescue units to recover the victims and secure debris scattered along the airport’s coastal perimeter. The wreckage of the aircraft’s fuselage was later seen partially submerged near the runway’s edge, as investigators began assessing damage and collecting evidence.
Airport’s First Fatal Accident in Over Two Decades
The deadly crash marks only the second fatal aviation incident in the 27-year history of Hong Kong International Airport, the world’s busiest air cargo hub. The last fatal crash occurred in 1999, when a China Airlines jet crash-landed during a typhoon, killing three people.
Officials from the Civil Aviation Department and the Transport and Logistics Bureau have pledged a comprehensive investigation into the causes of Monday’s crash. Air safety experts are expected to examine possible factors including pilot error, mechanical failure, and ground operations procedures.
As rescue operations concluded, airport authorities extended condolences to the families of the two security officers killed in the line of duty. The airport resumed limited operations later in the morning, though several cargo flights experienced brief delays.