Boeing 747 overshoots runway during pre-dawn landing
A tragic runway accident at Hong Kong International Airport left two airport staff members dead after a Boeing 747 cargo jet ran off the runway and plunged into the sea early Monday morning. The freighter, operated by Turkey-based ACT Airlines on behalf of Emirates SkyCargo, had arrived from Dubai and was attempting to land on the north runway around 3:50 a.m. local time when it overshot the tarmac. The aircraft smashed through a fence, collided with a patrol vehicle, and came to rest with its nose submerged offshore. All four crew members escaped the wreckage and were treated for minor injuries.
Inquiry launched into cause of fatal crash
Authorities have begun investigating what caused the crash, with the Air Accident Investigation Authority confirming that both flight recorders were retrieved from the wreck. Weather conditions at the time were reported as clear, eliminating poor visibility as a factor. Investigators are focusing on potential mechanical faults in the braking or steering systems. Engineers are also inspecting the runway and nearby infrastructure while recovery crews work to remove debris from the site.
Flights continue as officials pledge safety overhaul
Despite the closure of the north runway, airport operations have largely continued with flights rerouted to other runways. The Civil Aviation Department expressed condolences to the victims’ families and announced a comprehensive safety review for ground personnel. The crash, one of the most serious incidents to occur at Hong Kong’s airport in recent years, has renewed attention on safety risks faced by staff working close to active runways.
