In the early morning of February 6, 2024, a tragic incident occurred at Hong Kong International Airport involving an aircraft towing operation, which resulted in the death of a ground worker.
The worker was a 34-year-old Jordanian national, employed by China Aircraft Services. He tragically lost his life after falling from a tow truck and being run over by the aircraft it was towing.
The Hong Kong Police Force responded to a distress call around 3 a.m. about an unconscious man on one of the airport taxiways, a critical area for ground operations. Upon the arrival of emergency services, they confirmed the man’s death, citing significant injuries.
Initial investigations indicate that the worker was seated in the passenger seat of the tow truck, and it appears he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of his fall.
The driver of the tow truck, a man aged 60, was taken into custody under suspicion of dangerous driving leading to death.
The incident sparked immediate responses from the Airport Authority and China Aircraft Services. Both organizations have expressed their dedication to workplace safety and offered their condolences to the victim’s family.
In light of the incident, the Airport Authority is contemplating a reassessment of its safety measures to improve employee protection.
Ground handling operations at airports, inclusive of towing, refueling, and maintenance, adhere to stringent international and local standards. China Aircraft Services, the employer of the victim, has been a leading provider of these services since 1994, catering to a wide array of airline clients.
In the wake of the incident, Hong Kong International Airport, a significant hub for both cargo and passenger flights, is revisiting its safety protocols to prevent future incidents, underscoring its commitment to the safety of its workforce.
The Airport Air Freight Employees’ Association and the wider airport community have expressed their sadness over the incident, extending their support to the victim’s family.
