Two airport ground staff were killed in the early hours of October 20, 2025, after a Boeing 747 cargo aircraft overran a runway at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) striking their patrol vehicle and propelling it into the sea.
The incident occurred at approximately 03:50 local time, when Emirates flight EK9788, a Boeing 747-481F operated by Turkish cargo carrier Air ACT on behalf of Emirates SkyCargo, veered off the north runway while arriving from Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
The aircraft collided with a ground patrol vehicle, throwing two airport employees into the ocean. Both workers were rescued from the water but later died at hospital, according to local broadcaster RTHK.
The Civil Aviation Department confirmed the two ground staff fell into the sea during the incident.
All four crew members aboard the aircraft survived and were transported to hospital for evaluation, according to media reports. No crew injuries were reported.
HONG KONG AIRPORT:
— Chat News Hub (@chatnewshub) October 19, 2025
Cargo plane runs off runway, crashes into ground vehicle and falls into sea at HK airport 2 missing.
Sources said the freighter struck a ground-service vehicle, shearing off one of its wheels, before coming to rest with its nose over the seawall. The four… pic.twitter.com/ZMPLN8QiCj
Airport operations disrupted
The affected north runway remains closed following the accident, though Hong Kong International Airport’s two other runways continue to operate.
At least 11 cargo flights scheduled to arrive on October 20, 2025 have been cancelled, according to the Airport Authority’s website.
The Hong Kong Government Flying Service deployed helicopters to the scene, while Fire Services Department vessels participated in rescue operations, local media reported.
Air ACT, legally known as ACT Airlines and formerly branded as myCargo Airlines, is a Turkey-based cargo operator. It operates a fleet of four Boeing 747 freighters according to the company’s website. The fleet is now reduced to three after the accident.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the runway excursion and collision.