A cargo plane has skidded off a runway at Hong Kong International Airport and landed in the sea, killing two persons, local media have reported.

The Emirates flight EK9788, operating as Aerotranscargo, was arriving from Dubai at about 03:50 local time (19:50 GMT) when it hit a vehicle on the north runway.

Two airport ground staff fell into the sea, a statement from the Civil Aviation department says. They were rescued but later died in hospital, according to local media including public broadcaster RTHK citing police.

Four crew members onboard the plane survived and were taken to hospital.

The affected runway is closed, but the airport’s other two runways are still in operation.

The Airport Authority is set to host a press conference at 10:00 local time (02:00 GMT).

Hong Kong’s Government Flying Service has deployed helicopters above the affected runway, while Fire Services Department vessels also took part in the rescue, media reports say.

It is a rare incident for the Hong Kong International Airport, which has had a good safety record.