Two killed as Emirates SkyCargo 747 veers off HKIA north runway

Two people were killed early Monday after an Emirates SkyCargo Boeing 747 freighter veered off the north runway at Hong Kong International Airport during landing and came to rest partially in the sea, police and airport officials said. The incident occurred at about 3:50 a.m. local time as the aircraft, operating as flight EK9788 from Dubai, completed its arrival run on the airport's north runway.

Police said the freighter, operated on behalf of Emirates by Turkish carrier Air ACT, appeared to strike a ground service vehicle as it veered left during the landing roll. Flight-tracking data reviewed by authorities and aviation services showed the plane’s landing trajectory suddenly shifted shortly after touchdown. Emergency crews found the aircraft with its nose over the seawall and part of the fuselage in the water.

Rescue teams, including airport firefighters, marine police and a Government Flying Service helicopter, responded to the scene. Four crew members on board the freighter escaped unharmed and were taken to hospital for assessment. Two people in the ground service vehicle were initially reported missing; police later confirmed both victims died. One ground worker was...