ABC AUSTRALIA, 14/10/2002 08:30:15
Death toll in Bali bomb blast up to 187
The Australian Government has updated the number of Australian deaths from the
bombing on the Indonesian island of Bali to thirteen, Indonesian officials say the
overall death toll is up to 187.
At least 110 Australians are injured, but 220 compatriots are still unaccounted for.
The attack on the Sari and Paddy's nightclubs is one of the worst in Indonesia and the
bloodiest since the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States last year.
Evacuation underway
The Australian air force has begun evacuating some of the injured to Darwin in
northern Australia.
More than 120 people, mostly Australians, have been flown out, one of those
evacuated died enroute.
The evacuations took place as local hospitals in Bali struggle to cope with more than
300 patients injured in the massive weekend car bombing at Kuta Beach.
The air force Hurcules planes are expected to continue to operate between Darwin
and Denpasar.
A spokesman at Darwin hospital says most of the wounded are suffering from burns.
Australian government responds
Australia's Prime Minister John Howard and his most senior ministers are preparting
to meet in Canberra, to assess any further terrorist risk.
The government's National Security Committee, including the Prime Minister, the
Defence Minister and the Attorney General will meet later today.
Mr Howard says Australia will respond to the terrorist attacks in Bali with a measured
and sensible but powerful reaction.
14/10/2002 08:30:15 | ABC Radio Australia News
© 2001 Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
