Cargo aircraft crashing in sea. Source: Hong Kong Airport Early this morning at 3:53 a.m., cargo flight UAE9788, carrying four crew members from Dubai to Hong Kong, appeared to lose control while landing and veered off the North Runway, eventually crashing through the perimeter fence and into the sea.
At that moment, says the Hong Kong airport authority’s statement, a patrol car from Aviation Security Company Limited, with two airport security staff on duty, was driving along the perimeter road outside the runway area. The aircraft struck the patrol car, which ended up in the water.
Plane crash in Hong Kong. Source:Chat News Hub on X Airport emergency teams offered prompt responses, and fire services were able to rescue all four crew members from the cargo aircraft safely. Tragically, the two security staff in the patrol car did not survive. One was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other passed away at the hospital.
At the time of the crash, the two staff members were stationed at a designated observation post, following standard procedures. They had been with the airport for seven and 12 years, respectively.
Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) expressed deep condolences over the loss and confirmed it will provide support to the families affected.
The North Runway has been temporarily closed following the incident. However, the Airport Emergency Centre and the South Runways remain operational, and flight operations continue as normal.
Airport authorities say the runway and apron are designed to meet International Civil Aviation Organization safety standards. Weather and operational conditions at the time of landing were also within safe limits, according to available information.
AAHK will fully cooperate with the Civil Aviation Department, Air Accident Investigation Authority, Fire Services Department, and Police as investigations continue. Safety assessments will be carried out before a decision is made on reopening the North Runway.