The Emirates-operated cargo flight from Dubai lost control upon landing at 03:53 local time, crashing through perimeter fencing and striking a security patrol car
Two Hong Kong International Airport workers have died after their security control vehicle was struck by a Boeing 747-400 freighter that skidded off the runway into the sea.
The ACT Airlines flight (UAE9788) was operating from Dubai’s Al-Maktoum International on behalf of Emirates and landed in Hong Kong at just after 03:50 local time on 20 October.
The aircraft (TC-ACF) was carrying four crew members and is suspected to have lost control upon landing and veered off the North Runway before crashing through a fence into the sea.
"At the time of the runway excursion, a patrol car from the Aviation Security Company Limited, with two airport security staff was carrying out patrolling duty on the perimeter road outside the runway zone. The patrol car fell into the waters after being hit by the aircraft," Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) said in a statement.
One of the security staff was certified dead at the scene while the other was certified dead at the hospital.
The North Runway has been closed temporarily. However, operations at the Centre and South Runways are unaffected and the overall airport continues to run as normal.
"The weather and operational conditions at the time of the incident met the safety standards when the aircraft landed, according to information available," said AAHK.
It added: "As the investigation is ongoing, AAHK and relevant authorities will conduct safety assessments before deciding on the reopening time of the North Runway."
ACT said that all four crew members have been confirmed to be in good health. The airline said it was in contact with investigators.
The airline said that the aircraft veered off the runway for "reasons that have not yet been determined".
