Two people have been killed after a ground vehicle at the Hong Kong International Airport was reportedly struck by an incoming cargo plane that slid off the runway early on Monday morning, broke apart, and fell into the sea.

Authorities say Emirates cargo flight EK9788 – flying in from Dubai – apparently veered off the north runway while landing at Chek Lap Kok at around 3.50am on Monday, reportedly striking a ground vehicle in the process.

Photos taken after the accident showed a Boeing 747 cargo aircraft with AirACT livery partially submerged in water near the airport's sea wall with an escape slide deployed and the nose and tail sections separated.

Police say two people who had been inside the ground vehicle were subsequently rescued from the sea.

One – a 30-year-old passenger – was certified dead at the scene, while the 41-year-old driver later succumbed to injuries after being rushed to North Lantau hospital.

The four crew members of the plane were also rescued and sent to sent to hospital.

The north runway has been closed down for now due to the incident, but the airport's other two runways remain operational.

Emirates said in a statement that flight EK9788 sustained damage on landing in Hong Kong and was a Boeing 747 cargo aircraft wet-leased from and operated by ACT Airlines.

"Crew are confirmed to be safe and there was no cargo onboard," Emirates said.

Flight tracking service FlightRadar24 said the aircraft involved in the accident was 32 years old and had served as a passenger plane before being converted into a freighter.

The Civil Aviation Department said it "attaches great importance" to the accident and has reported the incident to the Air Accident Investigation Authority, stressing that it is "sparing no effort to support the investigation."

The latest incident comes after a HK Express flight also reportedly veered off the north runway after landing amid a No. 8 typhoon signal on September 8.

No one was injured on Flight UO235 from Beijing, but the plane reportedly came to a stop in a grassy area after hitting signage boards. (Additional reporting by Reuters)
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Last updated: 2025-10-20 HKT 08:56