A cargo plane has skidded off the runway into the sea while landing at Hong Kong International Airport, with two people confirmed dead.
The Emirates flight EK9788, operating as Aerotranscargo, was arriving from Dubai at about 03:50 local time (05:50 AEST) when it hit a vehicle on the north runway.
Two airport ground staff fell into the sea, a statement from the Civil Aviation department says. They were rescued but later died in hospital, according to local media including public broadcaster RTHK which cited police.
The northern runway at the airport was closed after the incident, Hong Kong International Airport said, adding the south and central runways would continue to operate. The north runway is still a relatively new entry to the Hong Kong airport’s setup.
The four crew members on board the cargo plane were rescued, as was one ground staff member. Meanwhile another ground staff member was missing.
An Emirates spokesperson has confirmed that the Boeing 747-400 with registration TC-ACF was a cargo aircraft wet leased from, and operated by, Act Airlines.
“Crew are confirmed to be safe and there was no cargo onboard,” said the spokesperson.
The freighter was originally a passenger aircraft that was converted into a freighter.
