New Territories South Region (NTS) and Airport District (APTDIST) participated in an annual aircraft crash and rescue exercise at the Hong Kong International Airport on November 9. The exercise was co-ordinated by the Airport Authority Hong Kong to provide opportunities for the airport community, government departments and related organisations to familiarise themselves with the emergency procedures in handling aircraft incidents.

The exercise was held at the works area of the Three-runway System (3RS) for the first time. It simulated a scenario in which an inbound aircraft carrying 130 people veered off the North Runway and collided with a barge in the 3RS reclamation area. Police officers from NTS and APTDIST arrived at the site for rescue, together with the Civil Aviation Department, the Fire Services Department, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Hospital Authority and the Home Affairs Department. They opened up an emergency vehicle passage, set up an assembly point and a first aid station for the injured, handled passengers and their relatives, conducted investigation and responded to the media.

In addition, APTDIST made use of the Radio Frequency Identification System to do a headcount of casualties. The system assisted the Force in deploying manpower for crowd management, facilitated the deployment of resources and release of information to the public by other departments, and helped the rescue teams send the injured to hospitals for treatment.

The exercise enhanced the readiness and co-ordination of the related units in dealing with aircraft incidents.