Aircraft skids off airport runway with fatalities confirmed

Tragedy struck in the early hours of Monday when a cargo aircraft skidded off a runway at Hong Kong International Airport and plummeted into the sea during landing, leaving two people dead and sending shockwaves through the aviation community.

The ill-fated flight, arriving from Dubai, was attempting to land at the airport around 3:50 a.m. when the unthinkable happened.

According to Hong Kong's airport authority, the plane skidded off the runway during the landing process, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Amidst the chaos, four crew members were pulled from the wreckage and immediately taken to hospital for treatment.

However, the police have grimly confirmed that two people, believed to be on an airport ground vehicle, have tragically lost their lives in the horrific incident.

As the shocking news of the crash spreads, authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the tragedy, with experts working tirelessly to piece together the events that led to this devastating incident, as the aviation world seeks answers and closure.

The affected runway has been shut down in the wake of the devastating crash, but the airport's two other runways remain operational, as authorities work to minimize disruption to air traffic, reports BBC News.

As the investigation into the tragic incident continues, the Airport Authority is set to face the media in a press conference scheduled for 10:00 local time (02:00 GMT), where officials are expected to provide updates on the situation and address the growing concerns of the public.

In a bid to aid the rescue efforts, Hong Kong's Government Flying Service has deployed helicopters to hover above the crash site, while vessels from the Fire Services Department have also been dispatched to assist in the search and recovery operation, according to media reports.

The shocking incident has sent ripples through the aviation community, as the Hong Kong International Airport has long been renowned for its excellent safety record, making this rare and tragic event all the more distressing.