On Cathay Pacific aircraft CX880 at Hong Kong’s international airport early today, eleven passengers were injured after the airline aborted takeoff owing to a technical problem, according to a statement from Cathay.
The flight from Hong Kong to Los Angeles carried 17 crew and 293 passengers. It performed “an aborted takeoff in accordance with standard procedures after the crew detected a technical issue.”
According to Cathay, the injuries happened during a precautionary evacuation back at the gate when passengers used the five-door escape slides to evacuate the aircraft.
“Nine of the eleven passengers who received treatment at hospitals have been discharged,” it said.
“Our colleagues will continue supporting the two hospitalized passengers and their families.”
According to authorities, one of the plane’s tires broke because it overheated, according to a report by public broadcaster RTHK, citing Reuters.
Asiana Airlines of South Korea ceased selling some emergency exit seats in May due to an incident in which a passenger opened an aircraft door mid-flight.
