HONG KONG — A tragic accident at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday morning has claimed the lives of two people after a cargo plane slid off the north runway during what officials described as a “runway excursion.”

According to airport authorities, the incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when the cargo aircraft veered off the runway shortly after landing. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but despite immediate rescue efforts, two people on board were pronounced dead.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, pending notification of their families. Other crew members were reportedly rescued and are being treated for injuries.

Flight operations at Hong Kong International Airport were temporarily suspended as investigators and emergency teams worked to secure the area and begin a full assessment of the scene. The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene, with emergency lights flashing across the runway as firefighters and medics battled to reach the damaged aircraft.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” an airport spokesperson said. “Our deepest condolences go out to the families and colleagues of those who lost their lives.”

As authorities work to uncover what led to the fatal runway accident, the aviation community and city alike are mourning the loss of two lives in what should have been a routine flight.