A cargo plane skidded off the runway at Hong Kong’s international airport and landed in the sea, killing two people, local media reported.
Emirates flight EK9788, which operates as Aerotranscargo, was arriving from Dubai at around 03:50 local time (19:50 GMT) when it collided with a vehicle on the north runway.
Two members of the airport’s ground staff fell into the sea, according to a statement from the Civil Aviation department. They were rescued but later died in hospital, according to local media, including public broadcaster RTHK, citing police.
Four crew members aboard the plane survived and were taken to hospital.
The affected runway is closed, but the airport’s other two runways remain in operation.
The Airport Authority will hold a press conference at 10:00 local time (02:00 GMT).
The Hong Kong Government Flight Service has deployed helicopters over the affected runway, while Fire Department boats also participated in the rescue, according to media reports.
This is a rare incident at Hong Kong International Airport, which has had a good safety record.
