A catastrophic aviation incident unfolded at Hong Kong International Airport on Friday when a Dubai-bound cargo aircraft skidded off the runway and plunged into nearby waters, resulting in the tragic death of two crew members.
The Boeing 747-400 freighter, operated by Cathay Pacific, was preparing for departure to Dubai when it encountered difficulties during takeoff amid severe weather conditions. The massive aircraft veered off the tarmac and came to a rest partially submerged in the water adjacent to the runway.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
Airport emergency services immediately launched a large-scale rescue operation, with multiple fire engines, ambulances, and rescue boats rushing to the scene. The challenging weather conditions, characterized by heavy rain and reduced visibility, complicated rescue efforts as emergency personnel worked to extract the crew from the damaged aircraft.
"Our emergency teams responded within minutes of the incident," stated an airport authority spokesperson. "The priority was to rescue the crew members from the submerged aircraft under very difficult conditions."
Casualties and Investigation
Tragically, despite the swift response, both pilots aboard the aircraft were pronounced dead at the scene. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released pending notification of their families.
The Civil Aviation Department of Hong Kong has launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the accident. Initial reports suggest that the challenging weather conditions may have been a contributing factor, though investigators are examining all possible causes, including technical malfunctions and human error.
Impact on Airport Operations
The incident caused significant disruption at one of the world's busiest cargo hubs. Several flights were diverted to alternative airports, while departures and arrivals experienced substantial delays. Airport authorities established an emergency operations center to manage the situation and assist affected passengers.
"We are working closely with all relevant parties to minimize disruption while ensuring the thorough investigation of this tragic incident," the airport authority confirmed.
The aviation community has expressed shock at the accident, which marks one of the most serious incidents in recent years at the highly-regarded Hong Kong International Airport, known for its safety record and operational efficiency.
