Flight CX880, bound for Los Angeles, returned to the gate
after a “technical issue” caused the crew to abort the takeoff 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. Public broadcaster
RTHK reported one of the plane’s tires had overheated, causing it to burst,
citing police.
The flight was carrying 293 passengers and 17 crew members.
“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 10:30 a.m., 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 10:12 a.m., carrying 283 passengers, it said.