A Los Angeles-bound Cathay Pacific flight had to abort take-off at Hong Kong International Airport in the early hours of Saturday, reportedly after the flight's tyres burst. According to the airlines, 11 persons suffered injuries while evacuating the flight.
“Flight CX880, bound for Los Angeles, returned to the gate after a technical issue caused the crew to abort the take-off and a precautionary passenger evacuation was initiated,” the airline said in a statement. It said those on board used five escape slides to exit the plane.
Cathay Pacific gave no details on the problem. The flight was carrying 293 passengers and 17 crew members. South China Morning Post reported at least three tyres of the aircraft burst causing the airline to abort take-off. SCMP quoting police reported that one man and 10 women, aged 29 to 77, were injured while exiting the plane using an emergency slide.
“We understand that 11 passengers are being treated at the hospital with injuries sustained during the evacuation process,” Cathay Pacific said. Our priority is to look after all affected passengers and crew.
By 10.30am, nine of the injured passengers had been discharged from the hospital, the airline said later. Using a different aircraft, the flight departed for Los Angeles at 10.12am, carrying 283 passengers, it said.
(With PTI inputs.)
