Ground Worker Fatally Hit by Plane at Hong Kong Airport

A tragic incident occurred at an airport in Hong Kong on Tuesday, resulting in the death of a ground worker. The worker, a 34-year-old Jordanian national, fell from a tow truck and was subsequently struck by a plane being towed. The rare accident has led to the arrest of the truck driver on charges of dangerous driving, according to a report by AFP.

The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was an employee of China Aircraft Services, a renowned company specializing in ground support and maintenance. The airport authority confirmed this information, as reported by AFP. The incident took place while the victim was seated in the passenger seat of a tow truck, and it is suspected that the seat belt was left unfastened, leading to the fatal accident.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene during the early hours of Tuesday and found the man with severe injuries on a taxiway. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the victim was declared dead.

The police have arrested the truck driver, a 60-year-old individual, on charges of dangerous driving leading to death. Currently, the driver is being detained for further questioning. This incident is being categorized as a fatal traffic accident, and the special investigation team from the New Territories South traffic unit is handling the case, according to a report by South China Morning Post (SCMP).

Expressing their condolences, the Airport Air Freight Employees’ Association, which primarily represents frontline and ground workers, has called for relevant operators and companies to provide assistance, including financial aid, to the victim’s family. In a meeting with the airport authority, the association emphasized the importance of equipment maintenance and the need to enhance safety awareness. They also proposed the implementation of smart safety light signals as reminders for staff to adhere to protocols, as stated in the SCMP report.

Authorities are urging witnesses or individuals with information regarding the incident to contact the police at 3661 1346.