A tow-vehicle ground worker for Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) was killed in a freak accident after he was hit by towed aircraft.
In an email statement sent to AeroTime, Airport Authorities Hong Kong (AAHK) said airport authorities received a report around 03:00 local time on February 6, 2024, stating that a China Aircraft Services staff member had been found lying on a taxiway.
Emergency crews arrived at the scene and pronounced the man dead.
After initial investigations, it is believed that the man was riding in the passenger seat of a tow truck when he fell out of the vehicle and was hit by the plane being pulled behind.
According to AAHK, it is suspected that the seat belt was left unfastened while the staff member was working on the tractor and police have classified the incident as a traffic accident.
A Channel News Asia report said police have arrested the vehicle’s 60-year-old driver on suspicion of dangerous driving causing death.
The airport said it is facilitating investigations, which are underway.
“AAHK expresses sorrow over the death of the airport staff, and extends its condolences to his family. AAHK has contacted the concerned ground services company to follow up on providing assistance to the deceased’s family,” the airport said.