A tragic incident unfolded at Hong Kong International Airport as a plane skidded off the runway and crashed into the sea. Unfortunately, two individuals lost their lives in the accident, while emergency services were able to rescue four crew members.
The aircraft involved was an Emirates cargo plane, flight EK9788, which had sustained damage during landing in Hong Kong on October 20, 2025. This aircraft, a Boeing 747-400 with registration TC-ACF, was wet leased from and operated by Act Airlines. Thankfully, all crew members were reported safe, and the plane was not carrying any cargo at the time.
The fatal event occurred as the Emirates flight EK9788, arriving from Dubai, was trying to land at approximately 3:50 am local time on Monday, October 20. The airport authority in Hong Kong revealed that the cargo plane deviated off course during its landing attempt.
Following the crash, the plane broke through fencing and collided with an airport security patrol car on the runway perimeter. Tragically, the impact caused the car to be pushed into the sea, resulting in the deaths of two ground staff members.
The Fire Service Department swiftly rescued the four crew members who were onboard during the incident. Steven Yiu, the executive director of airport operations at Airport Authority Hong Kong, expressed deep sadness over the situation and extended condolences to the affected families.
Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, with 213 firefighters and first aid officers, along with 45 vehicles and ships. Despite the quick response, two individuals lost their lives in the accident.
The aircraft, a Boeing 747-481 (BDSF), was over 30 years old and had its maiden flight in 1993. Originally a passenger plane converted into a freighter, it had been utilized by various airlines before being operated as Emirates SkyCargo Flight 9788 during the incident.
The Hong Kong Air Accident Investigation Authority launched an investigation into the accident involving the B744 cargo aircraft. The investigation aims to determine the circumstances and causes of the incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future, following international aviation standards.