The Passengers boarded VH-EAC at approximately 5.30p.m. L.S.T., 24th August for the purpose of departing Mauritius for Sydney, after making sure that aircraft documentation was on board the 2nd Engineer closed the rear door. I reported to the Captain that all doors were closed, ship papers on board and luggage racks checked.
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Briefing of the passengers for emergency procedures was then carried out.
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The aircraft then proceeded to the take-off position on the strip.
After a few minutes but longer than normal the aircraft commenced to move forward. Shortly after speed was gained brakes and reverse thrust were felt to be applied.
I then looked out of the window and noticed that the aircraft was over the end of the runway, simultaneously the aircraft was swinging to port and I noticed the aircraft bucking and running over rough ground. The impact then occurred the aircraft came to rest on its port side.
By instinct I had unbuckled my seat belt and was immediately thrown to the starboard side of the cabin. Screaming women and children and falling galley equipment was heard in conjunction with explosive noises.
On rising to my feet the flames were seen on both sides of the aircraft.
I then made my way to the galley where one male passenger was already at the door. Assorted galley equipment and material and in particular the frozen food boxes were jammed at the door. I asked the passenger to move away from the door whilst the other two stewards restrained the passengers from moving into the area. One passenger helped me clear some of the debris away from the door including the Q.F.F. boxes.
I then tried to open the door but felt that it was difficult to move. Finally I was only able to open the door partially as the runners were jammed, although sufficiently to allow passengers to go through. I then took up a position alongside the door and assisting in the evacuation of passengers both physically and orally.
Then after the first two passengers were out Flight Steward Foster left the aircraft and took charge of a baby from Mr. Toye and conducted them to safety. On return to the aircraft Flight Steward Foster assisted in the conducting passengers to safety.
During this period the evacuation was carried out and I was still in the cabin. Throughout this period Flight Steward Mackey had been conducting passengers through the rear port emergency exit. In conjunction with 2nd Engineer and Flight Steward Mackey a search for any more passengers was made by the three of us. No signs of passengers was seen.
The front tourist cabin could not be seen owing to flames and smoke.
I was running parallel to the aircraft with the intention of making my way round to the front of the aircraft with the intention of giving any further assistance if possible. I was caught in bushes and found it was impossible to make any headway.
Hearing the second Engineer shout I looked back and saw him standing at foot of main door on the ground and to my surprise Mrs. Kellock was lying on the ground.
By this time the ground between myself and the second Engineer was on fire. I then dashed back towards them to assist the Second Engineer drag Mrs. Kellock
to safety. We found it extremely difficult as Mrs. Kellock was a very heavy person and was suffering from compound fracture of left ankle, with severe burns on arms. We managed to get her up as far as the port side aft exit. Calling out Steward Mackey heard my call for assistance and came racing back.
At this stage station Engineer reported that all was clear in the cabins and that there were no passengers on board. More assistance arrived and we were able to get Mrs. Kellock into a car and sent to hospital.
Miss Stuart-Dawson, Second Steward Mackey and myself then proceeded to run around the front of the aircraft to see if any assistance was required. The first person sighted was N/O Sales coming from a bush with lacerated face.
We asked about the Thompson family and he told us they were all safe. At this stage we reported to the Captain to tell him what action we had taken down the rear.
Passengers were placed in a bus and more seriously injured passengers taken to hospital. A preliminary headcount was made on the bus. On arrival at the hospital another headcount was made and on arrival at the Park Hotel a final head count was conducted to confirm our previous counts and all passengers were accounted for.
And that is what happened........Did I tell you about the time I got the ..................
