Saturday, March 29, 2025
Hong Kong Plane Accident: Two Dead as Boeing 747 Cargo Jet Skids Off Runway into Sea
Date: Monday, October 20, 2025
A cargo plane crash at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday claimed two lives after the aircraft slid off the runway and plunged into the sea during landing. The incident occurred around 3:50 AM, when a Turkish-operated Boeing 747 arriving from the United Arab Emirates lost control while attempting to land.
According to Hong Kong Airport Authority officials, two individuals in an airport vehicle were killed on the spot, while all four crew members aboard the aircraft were rescued and hospitalized with minor to moderate injuries. The affected runway was immediately closed for operations, while the airport’s other two runways remain functional with additional safety measures in place for both takeoffs and landings.
“Hong Kong International Airport is one of the busiest in Asia,” officials said in a briefing. “The runway where the cargo aircraft skidded has been shut down pending a full safety inspection.”
The ill-fated flight, identified as EK9788, was operated by Emirates SkyCargo. The plane had taken off from Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai and was scheduled for a cargo stop in Hong Kong.
Emergency teams, including police and firefighting units, reached the crash site within minutes and began rescue operations. The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) of Hong Kong has launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
Authorities are probing whether the mishap resulted from technical malfunction, adverse weather conditions, or runway obstruction.
The tragic crash comes just weeks after several other aviation incidents globally, including a deadly plane-truck collision in Texas that left multiple people dead.
Hong Kong’s government has directed all relevant agencies to submit a preliminary report within 48 hours, emphasizing strict adherence to international aviation safety protocols.
Aircraft: Boeing 747 cargo plane (operated by Turkish carrier under Emirates SkyCargo)
Flight number: EK9788
Route: Al Maktoum International Airport (UAE) → Hong Kong
Time of accident: 3:50 AM (local time)
Casualties: 2 dead (airport staff in vehicle), 4 injured (crew)
Runway status: One closed; two operational with restrictions
Investigation: Ongoing, led by Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department
Authorities have urged travelers to check flight schedules and delays as partial disruptions continue at Hong Kong International Airport.
