Two Killed in Hong Kong Cargo Plane Crash

Two airport staff were killed when a cargo plane skidded off the runway and into the sea at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) early October 20, taking a vehicle containing the two with it.

CNN reports that the Boeing aircraft, operated by Turkish cargo carrier ACT Airlines, went off course on arrival from Dubai around 3:50 a.m. local time, officials said, breaking in two as it came off the runway. 

The airport has suspended operations on its north runway until the aircraft is removed from the sea, but two other runways are still operating, so no disruptions are expected to the more than 1,000 daily flights in and out of Hong Kong, said the airport’s operations director. 

The aircraft was left partially submerged with its tail section snapped off, video showed. The front section of the plane, below the cockpit, also suffered significant damage. 

The four crew members onboard the plane were sent to local hospitals for medical treatment. 

A massive emergency response effort was underway on the morning of October 20, involving more than 200 people, fire engines and boats.