Category: News

HONG KONG — Authorities detained a 71-year-old minibus operator on Wednesday afternoon following a serious traffic accident in Kwai Chung where a pedestrian sustained critical injuries. The incident occurred around 2:58 p.m. on Wo Tong Tsui Street, resulting in the hospitalization of a 55-year-old woman with critical head trauma.

The collision unfolded near street address 55, involving a public light bus and the pedestrian, identified by the surname Fong. Following the impact, the victim immediately lost consciousness. Emergency services provided on-site medical attention before transporting her to Princess Margaret Hospital. She remains in intensive care, listed in critical condition.

Police cordoned off the segment of Wo Tong Tsui Street for several hours to conduct their investigation. Eyewitness accounts and preliminary findings indicate that the pedestrian was attempting to cross the roadway, moving from the right side to the left, when she was struck by the approaching minibus. Investigators are focusing on the driver’s alleged failure to yield or stop.

Dangerous Driving Charges Filed

The driver, identified by the surname Lui, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm. This charge, often invoked in cases where vehicular negligence directly results in severe injury, carries significant penalties in Hong Kong law, reflecting the gravity of the consequences. The suspect remains in custody pending further questioning and forensic analysis of the accident scene.

Traffic safety experts note that intersections and mid-block crossings in busy urban districts like Kwai Chung present heightened risks for both drivers and pedestrians. High pedestrian volume combined with frequent stops and starts required of commercial vehicles can increase the likelihood of such accidents, particularly if drivers are not fully vigilant.

Common Factors in Pedestrian Accidents:

• Failing to Yield: Drivers not granting right-of-way at designated or perceived crosswalks.
• Driver Fatigue: Reduced reaction time, especially among elderly commercial drivers.
• Speeding: Even slightly exceeding safe speeds drastically increases stopping distance.

The ongoing inquiry aims to reconstruct the exact sequence of events, including examining the vehicle’s speed, the driver’s actions prior to the collision, and visibility conditions at the time of the crash. Forensic teams documented the scene, noting bloodstains and physical evidence on the road surface pertinent to the investigation.

Promoting Urban Traffic Safety

This incident underscores the persistent challenge of maintaining safety in Hong Kong’s densely populated urban environment. The government and transport operators frequently launch campaigns stressing shared road responsibility. For the public, awareness regarding pedestrian safety remains paramount:

• Use Designated Crossings: Always use overhead bridges, underpasses, or marked crosswalks.
• Avoid Distraction: Refrain from using mobile devices while crossing the road.
• Make Eye Contact: Ensure drivers acknowledge your presence before stepping into traffic.

The outcome of the legal proceedings against Mr. Lui will depend on the detailed findings of the traffic investigation unit. This critical case could lead to renewed calls for improved checks on the fitness and training of veteran commercial vehicle operators in the territory.

Hong Kong police, collaborating with mainland authorities, recently took custody of two key suspects linked to the fatal hacking of a 52-year-old triad-affiliated man in Fo Tan this past March. The pair—identified as a presumed assailant and a getaway driver who initially fled across the border—were transferred to Hong Kong Wednesday and immediately participated in a crime scene re-enactment near Kowloon Reservoir, signaling significant progress in the complex cross-jurisdictional murder investigation. The suspects are expected to face formal murder charges imminently.

Multi-Jurisdictional Investigation Uncovers Alleged Network

The victim, identified only as Tam, died after being brutally attacked with bladed weapons at the junction of Sui Wo Road around 5:25 p.m. on March 16. Tam, known for his local triad ties in the Fo Tan area, succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at Prince of Wales Hospital. The assailants reportedly fled the scene in a taxi.

Since the initial incident, Hong Kong law enforcement has executed several arrests both locally and abroad, diligently piecing together the alleged murder plot and the subsequent escape routes. The investigation has already resulted in charges against multiple individuals, highlighting a substantial conspiracy behind the public killing:

• Alleged Orchestrators: A father and son, both surnamed Wong (ages 76 and 47), were arrested in Wong Tai Sin on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and subsequently released on bail.
• Aiding an Offender: A 28-year-old woman surnamed Chan was charged with assisting an offender and misleading police, allegedly helping her lookout boyfriend escape to the mainland.
• Other Suspects: A 27-year-old woman, Ho, was charged with conspiracy to wound following her arrest at Hong Kong International Airport. Another man, Kwok, was detained at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point for assisting an offender but later released on bail.

International Cooperation Secures Key Suspects

The latest developments focus on the apprehension and repatriation of those who attempted to evade justice by fleeing Hong Kong. One key suspect, Cheung (25), identified as one of the alleged knifemen, was successfully tracked and arrested in Pattaya, Thailand, following cooperation between law enforcement agencies. Cheung was deported to Hong Kong, participated in a scene re-enactment, and was subsequently charged with murder.

The two suspects transferred this week from mainland custody—identified as the final alleged primary assailant and the taxi driver, who reportedly used false license plates—were intercepted after an illegal border crossing. Following official cross-border protocols, they were handed over to Hong Kong officers. They were transported to Tai Po Road near Kowloon Reservoir, believed to be the location where they were picked up following the Fo Tan attack, to reconstruct the moments immediately following the murder under tight police security.

Ongoing Manhunt for Remaining Fugitive

Despite the significant breakthroughs and multiple arrests made across various jurisdictions, authorities confirm they are still actively seeking one remaining fugitive. A male lookout, surnamed Chan, is suspected to have fled to the mainland and remains at large.

The coordinated efforts leading to these arrests underscore the effective collaboration between Hong Kong and mainland police in tackling serious organized crime. As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on gathering final evidence before the formal grand jury proceedings commence. The case highlights the complex challenges and necessary cross-border partnerships required to ensure accountability in high-profile crimes involving international movement.

A 50-year-old construction worker tragically collapsed and died on Wednesday afternoon while on duty at a Tsim Sha Tsui building site. Emergency personnel rushed to 49-51 Kimberley Road shortly after 4:30 p.m. following reports that a laborer had suddenly lost consciousness during work.

The incident highlights the inherent risks faced by individuals working in the construction sector, even those undertaking routine tasks. The man, employed as a general site worker, was reportedly on the second floor of the structure when he experienced the medical emergency. Despite swift transfer to a nearby hospital for critical care, he was officially pronounced deceased just over an hour later at 5:34 p.m.

Investigating the Circumstances of the Collapse

Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the worker’s sudden collapse and death. While initial reports did not specify the nature of his work at the time, police are examining all factors, including site safety protocols, workplace conditions, and individual health history.

Preliminary inquiries have revealed that the deceased individual had pre-existing health conditions. This information is crucial for investigators as they attempt to reconcile the medical event with the demands of his job. Law enforcement officers are now focused on several key areas:

• Workplace Environment: Assessing temperature, ventilation, and physical demands placed on laborers on the day of the incident.
• Safety Compliance: Reviewing whether the construction company adhered to all Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) regulations.
• Medical History Integration: Determining if the employer was aware of the worker’s health conditions and if appropriate accommodations or tasks were assigned.

Health Risks in the Construction Sector

The construction industry remains one of the most physically strenuous sectors, where pre-existing medical conditions can unfortunately compound the dangers of the work environment. High temperatures, lifting heavy materials, and sustained physical exertion can place immense strain on cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

This tragedy serves as a sober reminder for both employers and workers about the necessity of prioritizing health checks and safety awareness, especially in densely built and often high-heat urban environments like Hong Kong. For site managers, rigorous monitoring of workers, particularly those in high-risk groups, is paramount.

Actionable Safety Takeaways

To mitigate future risks and support worker health, site management should consistently enforce stricter measures regarding health and safety management:

• Mandatory Rest Periods: Ensure workers, especially during peak temperature hours, take mandated and monitored breaks in cool, shaded areas.
• Health Disclosure and Review: Establish protocols for workers to disclose relevant medical conditions, allowing management to assign tasks suitable for their physical capabilities.
• On-Site Emergency Training: Regularly refresh training for all staff on recognizing signs of heatstroke, heart attack, or severe fatigue, and how to swiftly administer first aid and call for emergency services.

The loss of a life underscores the ongoing need for robust health and safety monitoring within the local construction sector. As the police investigation continues, the focus remains on accountability and implementing measures to prevent similar fatal incidents in the future.

China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed this week that Japanese seafood currently has no viable market access in the country, citing Tokyo’s persistent failure to submit crucial technical and safety documentation necessary for regulatory approval. This statement, delivered during a regular press briefing in Beijing, underscores the continued impasse over Japanese food exports and highlights escalating friction in bilateral relations.

Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Wednesday that while Japan had previously committed to fulfilling regulatory obligations—including providing comprehensive safety guarantees for seafood products intended for the massive Chinese market—those essential technical materials have yet to materialize. This lack of compliance with mandatory import prerequisites is the primary reason the sweeping suspension of Japanese seafood imports, initially imposed amid concerns over the release of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, remains firmly in place.

Safety Standards Hinder Market Re-Entry

Market access for food imports is inherently contingent upon the exporting nation meeting the health and safety benchmarks established by the importing country. Beijing has repeatedly stressed that the prerequisite technical submissions from Japan are vital for Chinese regulators to assess and certify the safety and quality of the fisheries products. Without this information, the Foreign Ministry considers the exports ineligible for entry.

This issue extends beyond standard trade barriers. The seafood sector represents a significant component of Japan’s export economy, and China’s ongoing ban has profoundly impacted Japanese fishermen and aquaculture operations, particularly those reliant on the lucrative Chinese consumer base. The resolution of this technical documentation dispute is seen as an essential first step toward normalizing the trade flow, but officials in Beijing maintain that the ball is currently in Tokyo’s court.

Geopolitical Tensions Compound Trade Issues

The current trade strain is also taking place against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical tension. During the briefing, Spokesperson Mao Ning noted that recent “retrogressive and erroneous” remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have exacerbated public sentiment in China.

Specifically targeting the Prime Minister’s comments on “sensitive issues,” including policy positions related to the Taiwan question, the spokesperson suggested these statements have generated significant and widespread public discontent among the Chinese populace. The synchronization of these political disruptions with stalled trade progress indicates that the resolution of the seafood ban may be intertwined with broader diplomatic disagreements.

For Japanese exporters seeking to regain access to China, the path forward appears complex and twofold:

1. Prioritizing Technical Compliance: Tokyo must immediately provide all requested technical safety and regulatory documentation to satisfy Chinese customs and food safety authorities.
2. Diplomatic De-escalation: Both sides must find common ground to manage sensitive political files, mitigating the impact that high-level rhetoric has on commercial relations and public opinion.

Until these technical and political hurdles are cleared, the Chinese market remains inaccessible to Japanese seafood producers, preserving the current deadlock in one of Asia’s most critical trading relationships. Observers suggest that transparent, verifiable data submission is paramount before any significant movement on the trade front can be expected.

A 55-year-old traveler returning to Hong Kong from Phnom Penh has been sentenced to two months in prison and a HK$1,000 fine after being convicted of possessing a large quantity of duty-unpaid cigarettes. The ruling, handed down by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts, underscores the stringent enforcement of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance regarding the importation and possession of illicit tobacco products. The defendant was arrested on November 18 after Hong Kong Customs officers discovered approximately 10,800 contraband cigarettes hidden within his luggage during clearance procedures.

Customs Intercept Interdicted Major Haul

Upon the passenger’s arrival, Customs officials conducted routine checks that led to the discovery of the concealed tobacco. The seized cigarettes carried an estimated market value of around HK$44,000. Significantly, the potential duty evasion associated with this quantity was calculated at approximately HK$36,000. Following the discovery, the individual was immediately arrested and subsequently charged with offenses related to the possession of dutiable goods on which duty has not been paid and the failure to declare these items upon entry.

Hong Kong Customs and Excise officials lauded the court’s decision, emphasizing that the imposition of a custodial sentence reflects the serious nature of such transgression. A representative stated that the jail term serves as a significant deterrent aimed at discouraging both the smuggling and the unlawful possession of tobacco products within the city.

Strict Penalties for Illicit Tobacco Trade

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, tobacco products imported into Hong Kong are subject to excise duty. Authorities maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding the illicit trade in these items. Violations include the unauthorized importation, storage, sale, or purchase of duty-unpaid cigarettes.

The legal ramifications for individuals convicted of offenses under this ordinance are severe. The maximum penalties stipulated by law include a substantial fine of up to HK$2 million and imprisonment potentially lasting seven years. This case highlights Customs’ commitment to protecting government revenue through constant vigilance at all points of entry and proactive collaboration with law enforcement to secure convictions.

Actionable Takeaways for Travelers

Travelers entering Hong Kong must be aware of and strictly adhere to the regulations concerning the importation of tobacco and other dutiable goods. The city’s laws are rigorously enforced, and ignorance of the regulations is not considered a valid defense.

Key Reminders for Entry:

• Declaration is Mandatory: All dutiable items, including tobacco and alcohol exceeding tax-free allowances, must be declared to Customs officers upon arrival.
• Know Your Limits: Individuals are typically permitted to bring only small, legally defined quantities of tobacco and alcohol into Hong Kong duty-free for personal consumption.
• Concealment Is Risky: Attempting to hide undeclared goods significantly increases the likelihood of prosecution and severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

The outcome of this case provides a clear warning: those who attempt to circumvent Hong Kong’s strict customs laws face serious judicial consequences, impacting both their freedom and finances. Customs authorities plan to intensify crackdowns on smuggling activities to safeguard public health and ensure fair commerce.

China has issued a firm diplomatic warning to Japan, demanding the immediate retraction of recent statements regarding Taiwan and threatening severe countermeasures if Tokyo fails to comply or repeats the assertions. This high-stakes diplomatic friction, highlighted by a press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday, underscores significant tension in the foundational political relationship between the two East Asian powers.

At the center of the dispute are remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, which Beijing views as irrevocably damaging to the political trust underpinning bilateral ties. Speaking to the media, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stated that Takaichi’s comments constitute a grave breach of established understandings and have ignited considerable anger across the Chinese public. Beijing has explicitly placed the responsibility for any resulting deterioration and consequences directly onto the Japanese government.

Intensifying Strains in Sino-Japanese Relations

The relationship between China and Japan, two of Asia’s largest economies, is perpetually defined by complex geopolitical factors and historical grievances. Taiwan remains arguably the most sensitive issue for Beijing, which considers the island territory an inalienable part of its sovereignty. Any foreign governmental commentary perceived as challenging this fundamental principle often prompts rapid and forceful diplomatic backlash.

Spokesperson Mao Ning’s statement was unequivocal: “Safeguarding the political foundation of relations between the two countries requires immediate correction from the Japanese side.”

Beijing’s Key Demands:

• Withdrawal of Assertions: Japan must retract what China considers “erroneous statements” regarding Taiwan.
• Cessation of Provocation: Tokyo must refrain from inciting incidents or making provocative statements concerning China’s core interests.
• Tangible Rectification: Japan is urged to take immediate, substantive actions to acknowledge the damage and genuinely correct its stance.

The Diplomatic Bedrock at Risk

Bilateral relations rely on a series of political documents and communiqués established over decades, intended to guide cooperation while managing deep-seated disagreements. China argues that Prime Minister Takaichi’s actions have fundamentally undermined the delicate equilibrium maintained by these agreements.

The diplomatic pressure applied by Beijing signals that the stakes are extremely high. The threat of “stringent countermeasures” suggests potential economic or diplomatic retaliation should Japan refuse to yield. This could manifest as restrictions on mutual trade, limitations on high-level exchanges, or increased regional military posturing.

For international observers, this incident serves as a crucial reminder of how central the Taiwan question is to regional stability. When major powers like China and Japan engage in such severe diplomatic confrontations, the ramifications extend beyond their immediate borders, affecting supply chains, regional security dynamics, and global political alliances.

Japan now faces a significant decision: whether to soften its position to de-escalate tensions and preserve the immediate political footing with its neighbor, or stand firm on the statements, risking substantial diplomatic and economic fallout. The decision will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of Sino-Japanese relations for the foreseeable future. Analysts anticipate global scrutiny as both nations navigate this difficult diplomatic impasse.

A Hong Kong property owner has been penalized with a cumulative fine exceeding HK$800,000 after being convicted of failing to comply with multiple statutory removal orders related to extensive unauthorized building work. The judgment, handed down by the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts, underscores the territorial government’s stringent approach toward breaches of the Buildings Ordinance and its commitment to ensuring public safety.

Unauthorized Structures Lead to Steep Penalties

The conviction stems from an enforcement action initiated by the Buildings Department (BD) against the owner of a property located on D.D. 52 in Fu Tei Au of the North District. The sprawling unauthorized structures collectively covered an astounding area of approximately 6,000 square meters, spanning 13 distinct sections of the lot.

Because the construction work lacked the prerequisite approval from the BD and the Lands Department had declined to issue a certificate of exemption, the property owner was served with 13 separate removal orders under section 24(1) of the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123). Failure to adhere to these orders resulted in the recent significant financial penalty.

The total fine reached HK$806,000. Notably, a substantial portion of this penalty, HK$182,000, was specifically assessed to address the ongoing continuation of the offense, highlighting the increased cost for delayed compliance.

BD Urges Swift Compliance for Safety

For Hong Kong’s robust, high-density environment, enforcing building safety regulations is paramount. The BD views non-compliance with removal orders not merely as an administrative oversight but as a serious risk to public safety and structural integrity.

A spokesperson for the Buildings Department reiterated the government’s resolve, stating that the BD will continue to pursue rigorous enforcement—including legal prosecution—to deter unauthorized construction. Property owners are strongly cautioned against ignoring official directives. Unauthorised building works (UBWs) can obscure fire escape routes, overload structural supports, or introduce electrical hazards, posing demonstrable dangers to occupants and the surrounding community.

Understanding the Consequences of Non-Compliance

The Buildings Ordinance outlines severe financial and custodial consequences for owners who neglect removal orders without a justifiable rationale.

The maximum penalty for a basic non-compliance conviction includes a fine of HK$200,000 and the possibility of one year in prison. However, the costs rapidly escalate when the violation persists. For every day the unauthorized structure remains, the offense is considered ‘continuing,’ attracting an additional daily fine that can reach HK$20,000. This mechanism ensures that enforcement drives prompt mitigation rather than protracted litigation.

This verdict serves as a powerful reminder to all property holders in Hong Kong: proactive compliance is the only viable course of action once a statutory order is issued.

Actionable Steps for Property Owners

• Review Documentation: Ensure all structural additions or alterations on your property have received formal approval from the Buildings Department.
• Respond Promptly: If served with a removal order, contact the BD immediately to understand the scope of work required and establish a timeline for compliance.
• Seek Advice: Engage qualified professionals (Authorized Persons or registered structural engineers) to manage the removal or regularization process efficiently and legally.

The Buildings Department emphasizes that owners are legally responsible for structures on their property, and swift action following an enforcement order avoids compounding fines and potential imprisonment.

An early afternoon traffic accident in Kwai Chung left a woman in her 30s severely injured after she was struck by a public light bus on Wo Tong Tsui Street. The incident, which occurred just before 3:00 p.m. today, necessitated immediate medical intervention and prompted a police investigation into the precise cause of the collision.

The incident unfolded at approximately 2:58 p.m. outside premises numbered 41–45 Wo Tong Tsui Street. Emergency services received multiple calls reporting that a pedestrian had been hit by a minibus traveling through the area. Upon arrival, first responders found the victim lying on the roadway, reportedly suffering from a critical head injury and unresponsive to their surroundings.

Paramedics administered initial stabilizing treatment at the scene of the accident. Due to the severity of her condition, the woman was subsequently transported via ambulance to Princess Margaret Hospital for immediate, urgent care. Her current condition remains critical, awaiting further medical assessment and treatment.

Investigating the Cause of the Crash

The Hong Kong Police Force has initiated an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Investigators are currently gathering evidence, including eyewitness accounts and any available surveillance footage, to determine what led to the impact. Initial reports suggested that the minibus struck the pedestrian as it was passing the location, based on reader-submitted footage showing the injured woman near the front of the vehicle immediately following the crash.

Traffic accidents involving pedestrians often highlight the dangers posed by dense urban traffic flow and the need for heightened awareness from both drivers and walkers. Local authorities frequently remind the public about road safety protocols, especially in high-traffic areas like Kwai Chung. Common preventive measures include:

• Always using designated crosswalks and following traffic signals.
• Drivers maintaining appropriate speeds, particularly in residential zones.
• Avoiding distractions, such as mobile phone use, while walking or driving.

Authorities urge anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant information, including vehicle operating data or video evidence, to contact the investigating officers to assist with the ongoing inquiry. Updates regarding the victim’s recovery and the outcome of the police investigation are expected in the coming days. Road safety remains a paramount concern across Hong Kong’s bustling districts, emphasizing the collective responsibility required to mitigate such serious incidents.

China has reportedly notified Tokyo of an immediate suspension on all Japanese marine product imports, signaling a significant escalation in bilateral trade frictions centered on food safety concerns and geopolitical disputes. This potential blanket ban, disclosed through reports carried by Japanese media outlets on November 19, 2025, threatens to severely disrupt Japan’s fisheries sector, which relies heavily on Chinese markets for exports and trans-shipment operations. While Tokyo seeks urgent clarification regarding the measure’s exact scope and enforcement timeline, industry analysts are bracing for substantial logistical upheaval and market redirection.

Implications of the Import Suspension

The reported decision marks a fresh diplomatic hurdle between the two economic giants. Although specific details regarding the implementation have not yet been publicly released by Beijing, the notification suggests a widespread halt across all categories of seafood, including fresh and processed fish, as well as shellfish exports.

For Japan, the impact could be immediate and profound. China serves not only as a massive end-consumer market for high-value Japanese marine products like tuna and scallops but also functions as key logistics hub for subsequent distribution across Asia. Japanese industry associations have warned that even a brief closure will inflict considerable financial damage on exporters, aquaculture businesses, and processing firms reliant on steady Chinese demand.

Officials in Tokyo are currently engaged in efforts to understand the exact parameters of the required stoppage, particularly concerning existing cargo already in transit and whether targeted exemptions might be negotiated. Traders and logistics firms fear that without clear guidance, Chinese ports may immediately enforce rigorous “hold-and-test” protocols or outright refuse entry, leading to substantial delays and spoilage.

Market Redirection and Economic Fallout

Market analysts predict that the abrupt constriction of the Chinese sales channel will necessitate a rapid and challenging diversion of Japanese seafood volume to alternative global destinations. Potential markets include countries in East and Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America.

However, redirecting significant volumes quickly comes with unique difficulties:

• Price Adjustments: Absorbing the displaced supply will likely require Japanese exporters to offer substantial price discounts to new international buyers.
• Logistics Costs: Increased freight costs and the complexities of establishing new shipping routes will further erode profit margins.
• Domestic Oversupply: If export channels contract too rapidly, domestic fish auctions in Japan could face immediate oversupply pressures, potentially depressing local wholesale prices.

The duration and extensive nature of this import suspension will ultimately determine the long-term viability and stability of many regional Japanese economies that depend heavily on commercial fishing and related processing activities.

Looking Ahead

This trade restriction occurs against a backdrop of increasing strain in the broader bilateral relationship, where food safety measures have become recurrent points of contention and reciprocal restriction. For the global seafood trade, this event emphasizes the critical need for diversified export strategies. Companies relying on Japanese marine products should monitor official statements from both governments over the coming weeks to assess the longevity of the pause and to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions. Should the ban be prolonged, the structural shift in global seafood trade routes initiated by this move could become permanent.

A preliminary investigation into last month’s deadly runway excursion at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) suggests an abrupt and unexpected surge in thrust from one engine caused a Boeing 747 freighter to fatally veer off the tarmac, killing two airport workers. Released late Tuesday by the Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA), the initial report details how the Turkish-operated ACT Airlines cargo flight, chartered by Emirates, lost directional control moments after landing, culminating in a catastrophic collision.

The October incident involved a Boeing 747 freighter operating a flight from Dubai to Hong Kong. While the landing phase initially proceeded normally, the aircraft was dispatched with an inoperable thrust reverser on engine No. 4—a condition permissible under standard aviation safety regulations.

Asymmetry Challenges Directional Control

According to AAIA findings, after the first officer executed the landing, and the autobrake system disengaged, the captain assumed control of the aircraft. Within seconds of this handover, engine No. 4, situated on the aircraft’s far-right wing, unexpectedly advanced its power setting. Investigators noted the engine spooled up rapidly, reaching approximately 90% thrust before surging further to between 106% and 107% over a crucial 12-second period.

As this sudden, massive surge developed on the right side, the flight crew deployed the thrust reversers on the remaining three functioning engines in an apparent attempt to slow the jet. However, the resulting asymmetric thrust—powerful forward force on one side countered by reverse braking on the other—made maintaining control virtually impossible. The aircraft departed the left side of the runway at high speed.

Deadliest HKIA Incident in Decades

The uncontrollable trajectory led the jumbo jet to collide forcefully with an airfield security vehicle operating near the runway’s edge. The impact forced the service vehicle into the sea, resulting in the fatal injuries of the two airport security personnel inside. Authorities have called the event the city’s deadliest aviation accident in more than a quarter-century.

While all four crew members aboard the freighter survived the accident, the massive impact destroyed the airframe. Photographs and structural assessments show the tail section of the 747 separating completely upon impact.

Aviation safety experts reviewing the preliminary data highlighted the highly irregular nature of the engine acceleration after landing. Experts noted that significant asymmetric thrust, especially at such high percentages relative to typical ground idle settings, rapidly compromises a pilot’s ability to maintain a straight line, despite the crew’s immediate action to utilize thrust reversers elsewhere.

Scrutiny Shifts to Systems and Maintenance

The AAIA stressed that this report is preliminary, and the root cause of the engine’s unexpected spool-up remains undetermined. The ongoing investigation is focused on gathering crucial technical evidence, including detailed systems data, engineering and maintenance records for both the engine and its control systems, and comprehensive information regarding crew qualifications and experience.

Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, directed all inquiries regarding the preliminary findings to the AAIA. Neither Emirates nor ACT Airlines has issued public comments regarding the report’s content.

Hong Kong’s Transport and Logistics Bureau has committed to adhering to international aviation investigation standards, aiming to publish the comprehensive final report outlining the definitive factors contributing to the tragedy within one year. This final document will determine systemic failures, maintenance oversights, or operational errors that may have contributed to the catastrophic engine acceleration.