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The Civil Aviation Department is conducting a field investigation into an accident in which a number of passengers were injured on board flight CZ-341 from Kuming today (Sunday).

After landing at 12. 32 pm, the China Southern Boeing 757 aircraft (CZ-341) requested for assistance to send injured persons on board for hospital treatment. The aircraft reportedly encountered turbulence before making an approach to the Hong Kong International Airport.

The investigation involves interviews with crew members and inspection of the aircraft.

A total of 45 people on board the plane were injured in the incident. They were sent to Princess Margaret and Yan Chai Hospitals for treatment. Seven of them were in serious condition, while 14 were in stable condition. The remaining 24 were discharged after treatment.

Hospital Authority has activated the Disaster Contingency Plan for the incident, and a medical team was sent to the scene immediately after the incident happened.

An inter-departmental help desk hotline for public enquiries was operated by officers of Kwai Tsing District Office in Princess Margaret Hospital from 3 to 8 pm. Around 50 calls were received.

The Acting Director of Home Affairs, Mr Lui Hau-tuen, had visited the injured in the two hospitals this afternoon.

The incident did not cause any disruption to the normal operation of the airport.

End/Sunday, October 17, 1999

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