Hong Kong probe after plane skids off runway, kills 2, in ‘suitable’ weather

Weather and runway conditions at Hong Kong’s airport were suitable for normal operations when a cargo plane veered off the runway early Monday and ploughed into the sea, killing two people, authorities said as they launched an investigation into the incident.

The Civil Aviation Department also said air traffic controllers had not received any calls for assistance from Emirates flight EK9788, which was operated by Turkish cargo and passenger charter carrier ACT Airlines before the crash.

Meanwhile, police said they have not ruled out launching a criminal investigation into the matter.

At about 3.50am, the Boeing 747 freighter swerved off the runway during landing and into the waters off the airport’s north runway while knocking a security patrol vehicle into the sea.

Two men aboard the vehicle were initially reported missing. One, aged 30, was pulled by rescue divers from the sea and confirmed dead at the scene at 5.55am. The other, aged 41, was sent to North Lantau Hospital and was confirmed dead at 6.26am.

The pair had been working at the airport for seven and 12 years, respectively.