In a heart-stopping moment captured on camera at Hong Kong International Airport, a Cathay Dragon plane carrying 295 passengers collided with a service van on the tarmac, sparking chaos just moments before the aircraft was set to take off. The shocking incident, which unfolded near apron 25, has left onlookers stunned and raised serious questions about runway safety.
The dramatic footage shows a small service van with a yellow roof driving along the tarmac before suddenly veering right, directly into the path of Flight KA691, which had just begun taxiing toward its departure for Penang. The massive aircraft, unable to stop in time, struck the van, dragging it several meters across the tarmac in a terrifying spectacle. The right side of the van was left mangled, its frame crumpled under the force of the plane’s engine.
7 The van can be seen driving along the tarmac before it turns sharply to the rightCredit: Apple Daily
7 The van gets closer to the plane, which is carrying almost 300 passengers and crewCredit: Apple Daily
7 The van is seen driving close to the plane as it starts taxiing on the runwayCredit: Apple Daily
7 The roof of the van was pulled off after it was hit by the taxiing plane at Hong Kong International airport
A bystander, witnessing the horrifying scene, immediately sprinted for help as emergency crews raced to the site. Five fire engines and two ambulances descended on the cordoned-off area to assess the damage and assist the trapped van driver. According to police reports to the South China Morning Post, the driver sustained injuries to his head and shoulder but was conscious when rescued and rushed to North Lantau Hospital for treatment.
7
Emergency crews rushed to the scene to help the driver out of the van
7 The service van is dwarfed by the plane as it is crushed underneath the thrusterCredit: hk.apple.nextmedia.com
7 Emergency crews rushed to pull the driver out of the wreckage
An Airport Authority spokesperson confirmed the collision occurred as the plane was preparing to depart, involving a vehicle operated by China Aircraft Services. The Civil Aviation Department has launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the van’s sudden movement into the plane’s path. “Safety is our top priority,” a Dragonair spokeswoman stated. “We are fully committed to assisting with the investigation to ensure this never happens again.”
Miraculously, the incident did not disrupt the flight schedules of other planes at the busy Hong Kong airport. However, Flight KA691 faced a delay of at least three hours as authorities inspected the aircraft for damage and ensured passenger safety.
This chilling close call serves as a stark reminder of the precision and vigilance required in airport operations. As the investigation unfolds, the aviation community and passengers alike await answers to how such a dangerous mishap occurred on one of the world’s busiest runways.