A Turkish Airlines cargo plane met with a tragic accident at Hong Kong International Airport on Monday, skidding off the runway and plunging into the sea during severe weather conditions, resulting in the death of two crew members.
Stormy Landing Turns Deadly
The Boeing 767 freighter, operating as Turkish Airlines Flight TK6491, was attempting to land during a torrential downpour when the disaster struck. According to aviation authorities, the aircraft overshot the runway around 9:30 PM local time before coming to a rest partially submerged in the waters of the South China Sea.
Rescue Operation Amidst Challenging Conditions
Emergency services responded immediately to the scene, battling heavy rain and strong winds to reach the stricken aircraft. Rescue teams successfully pulled all eight crew members from the wreckage, but tragically, two of them were pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
The remaining six crew members are currently receiving medical treatment for injuries described as non-life-threatening. Airport authorities have confirmed that the two deceased were both Turkish nationals serving as pilots aboard the cargo flight.
Airport Operations Severely Disrupted
The incident has caused significant disruption at one of the world's busiest airports. Hong Kong International Airport was forced to close the affected runway, leading to numerous flight cancellations and diversions. Airport officials have established an emergency response center to coordinate recovery efforts and assist affected passengers.
Investigation Underway
Aviation safety investigators from Hong Kong, Turkey, and the United States have launched a comprehensive probe into the circumstances that led to this tragic accident. The investigation will focus on multiple factors including weather conditions, aircraft performance, and crew decisions during the critical landing phase.
This marks one of the most serious aviation incidents at Hong Kong's airport in recent years and has raised questions about airport safety protocols during extreme weather events in the region.
