Two dead after cargo plane slides off runway into the sea in Hong Kong

At least two people died after a cargo plane skidded off the runway at Hong Kong International Airport and crashed into the sea, according to Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAD).

In the statement, it was stated that the Boeing aircraft, operated by Emirates flight number EK9788, went off route at around 03.50 local time on Monday after arriving from Dubai.

A photo circulating on social media shows the plane, whose tail appears to be broken, partially submerged in the water.

Police said two members of the airport’s ground staff died when a vehicle they were in veered off the tarmac and fell into the water.

CAD said four crew members were on board the aircraft and were sent to local hospitals for medical treatment.

Fire trucks came together on the track, as well as rescue vehicles and ships, according to local news footage.

Authorities are investigating how the airport vehicle crashed into the sea and whether this was directly caused by the plane deviating from its route.

The airport suspended operations on the north runway on Monday. The other two runways remained open.

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