Emergency rescue procedures were fully tested at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) Friday with a simulated "aircraft crash" at the sea off the west end of the North Runway.

The annual emergency exercise, codenamed Exercise CLK 2004, tested the responsiveness of the participating bodies and allowed participants to evaluate the adequacy of crisis procedures, personnel, communication and equipment in case of an aircraft crash.

The scenario involved an inbound A330 passenger plane, flight number BB1234, from Taipei crashing into the sea at 7.05 a.m. off the west end of the north runway while landing on the north runway, breaking the fuselage into two sections.

Rescue started immediately after the crash. Both runways were "closed" during the rescue, with the south runway and north runway reopened at 9 a.m. and 9.30 a.m. respectively.

Fifteen arrival and sixteen departure flights were "canceled" because of the rescue action which stood down at 8.25 a.m..

Rescuers hauled 143 passengers and eight crew members from a major section of the fuselage. Thirty people were found "dead" during the rescue. Fifty-two passengers were "admitted" to hospital, 11 of them seriously.

The annual exercise is a mandatory aerodrome licensing requirement at HKIA.

Various government departments including Fire Services Department, Airport Fire Contingent, Police, Civil Aviation Department, Information Services Department, Port Health Office, Hospital Authority, Immigration Department, Customs and Excise Department, Home Affairs Department, Auxiliary Medical Service, Government Flying Services, St. John Ambulance, Raffles Medical Group and the Red Cross took part in the drill. The Airport Authority (AA) coordinated the exercise.

Dragonair is the participating airline which managed the family reception center. Business partners and franchisees also participated or sent observers.

"Exercise CLK 2004 provides an opportunity for the AA and other government bodies and business partners to familiarize with and evaluate the handling procedures and communication during an aircraft incident," said AA Airport Management Director Howard Eng, adding, "Crisis management is an integral part of airport management. The annual exercise further sharpens the readiness of the airport community in the handling of crisis situation."

Equipment mobilized included 22 Fire Services Department appliances and 15 police emergency vehicles.

The exercise began at 7.05 a.m. and was stood down at 11.25 a.m. About 1,000 airport staff and volunteers participated in the exercise.
 
(Xinhua News Agency November 27, 2004)