AVIATION/ 6 PAX INJURED IN BATAVIA EVACUATION

At least 6 passengers were injured today when a BATAVIA AIR Boeing 737 was involved in an incident at Bali. The incident began yesterday, when Batavia Flight 701 was on Domestic Service from Surabaya to Kupang, Indonesia, with 151 passengers and crew onboard. Due to an incident involving a MERPATI NUSANTARA Fokker 100 at Kupang, which is posted below, the Airport in Kupang closed while the Batavia 737 was inflight. Batavia Flight 701 was then diverted to Bali, where it landed without incident. Kupang Airport re-opened earlier today, thus Batavia Flight 701 was given clearance to depart Bali, and resume their flight to Kupang. According to media reports, 3 passengers elected to remain in Bali, thus 148 passengers and crew were onboard when the cabin crew closed the doors of the aircraft. During engine start-up, several passengers observed sparks, flames, and then smoke, emit from the left hand engine. The cabin crew attempted to calm the passengers down, however several passengers rushed to the aircraft doors and deployed the slides to evacuate. Most passengers followed suit. Media in Bali report that 3 passengers suffered serious injuries, while 3 passengers suffered minor injuries during the evacuation. According to a statement from Batavia, there was no fire and no danger from the left hand engine. The Airline described the smoke as a usual occurance with engine start-up. The Flight has been canceled and the aircraft is currently undergoing inspection, including the left hand engine.