Salvage operation for Monday's runway accident began

An Emirates cargo plane that arrived in the city swerved off the runway on Monday, after landing and rammed into a security patrol vehicle.

The latter subsequently fell into the sea, with the two men aboard the vehicle killed.

Families of the deceased visited the scene this morning to pay their respects. Salvage operations have begun, and the airport's north runway are temporarily closed for several days.

One of the salvage vessels approached the airport's north runway breakwater around 8 a.m. and docked next to the stricken Emirates cargo plane.

A small boat was dispatched to inspect the wreckage. The Marine Police also assisted in the nearby waters.

Staff wearing red vests were coordinating on the shore throughout the operation.

The Airport Authority, which is coordinating the salvage operation, said it has commissioned the Guangzhou Salvage Bureau, in collaboration with a mainland shipping company to deploy two salvage vessels, with lifting capacities of 350 and 500 tons, respectively.

Approximately 80 personnel, including divers, mechanical operators, and engineers, are involved in the salvage operation and removal of the cargo plane.

The cargo plane, owned and operated by a Turkish company, along with the pilot and crew, was leased to Emirates Airlines.

Representatives of groups assisting the families said they met this morning with representatives from the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Airport Authority, the security company, and the Turkish Consul General in Hong Kong. The Consul General offered his condolences to the families and will also arrange a meeting with the airline.