Hong Kong, Oct 20 (V7N) — A tragic accident at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday morning left two airport workers dead after a cargo plane skidded off the runway and crashed into the sea, according to BBC reports.
The incident occurred around 3:50 a.m. local time when the plane, carrying goods from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to Hong Kong, lost control upon landing, hit a vehicle on the runway, and broke into two pieces before plunging into the sea.
Two ground staff members, who were working near the runway, fell into the water during the crash. Although they were rescued immediately, both later died in hospital from their injuries.
Airport officials confirmed that four crew members were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash — all of whom were rescued safely.
Authorities stated that the runway was clear and the weather conditions were favorable during the landing. However, the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The plane’s black box has not yet been recovered, according to the BBC’s live updates.
Following the crash, one runway was temporarily closed, though the airport’s other two runways remain operational to minimize disruption to flights.
The ill-fated aircraft was identified as a Boeing 747, originally built as a passenger jet and later converted into a cargo plane.
An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the accident, with aviation experts and Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department leading the probe.
END/SMA/AJ
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