Early Tuesday morning, February 6, 2024, a ground worker at Hong Kong International Airport was fatally injured after an incident involving an aircraft tow operation.
The worker, identified as a 34-year-old man from Jordan, employed by China Aircraft Services, was pronounced dead at the scene. His injuries occurred after falling from a tow truck and being run over by the aircraft it was towing.
The Hong Kong Police Force reported receiving a distress call around 3 a.m. about an unconscious man lying on one of the airport taxiways, an essential area for aircraft ground operations. Emergency services confirmed the man’s death upon their arrival, noting severe injuries.
Preliminary investigations suggest the worker was in the passenger seat of the tow truck without a fastened seat belt when he fell from the vehicle.
Authorities have arrested the tow truck’s driver, a 60-year-old man, on suspicion of dangerous driving causing death.
The incident has led to immediate Airport Authority and China Aircraft Services responses. Both entities have expressed their commitment to workplace safety and offered condolences to the victim’s family.
The Airport Authority is considering reassessing its safety measures to enhance employee protection.
Ground handling operations at airports, including towing, refueling, and maintenance, are subject to strict international and local standards. The victim’s employer, China Aircraft Services, has been a key provider of these services since 1994, supporting a wide range of airline clients.
The Hong Kong International Airport, a critical hub for both cargo and passenger flights, is now reviewing its safety practices to prevent future incidents, ensuring the well-being of its workforce remains a top priority
The Airport Air Freight Employees’ Association and the broader airport community have voiced their sorrow over the incident, extending support to the bereaved family.
