Four World Vision Indonesia staff members have survived the crashed Boeing 737-400 flight in Yogyakarta early this morning, Wednesday March 7. The two men and two women were among those who managed to escape the burning plane after it overshot the runway on landing.

The staff described their horror as the passenger plane belonging to the Indonesian state airline, Garuda, burst into flames on landing in the city of Yogyakarta, Java, causing panic among the estimated 133 passengers on board.

Santi Hendra WV Indonesia Finance Officer said, "The landing was so bad, bumping, bumping and suddenly fire came out and we jumped out of the emergency exit. We were all sitting next to the emergency exit. We were 200 metres away from the plane when it burst into flames."

The four World Vision staff members, Jimmy Nadapdap, Ronald Gunawan, Ruth Panggabean and Santi Hendra were all rushed to hospital for immediate check ups and medical attention. Understandably shaken and exhausted after their traumatic experience they are not thought to be badly injured.

Latest reports indicate more than 40 people have died in the crash and many more were rushed to the local hospital, Bethesda. The airport was temporarily closed for two hours and flights diverted, but have since reopened.

Trihadi Saptoadi, World Vision Indonesia National Director, "We're so thankful that our staff survived, but really feel for those who lost loved ones and our thoughts and prayers are with the families."

He continues, "The crash comes after a particularly difficult few months following the floods in Jakarta, yesterday's earthquake in Sumatra and last year's Yogyakarta quake - our staff are going from one disaster to another."

For more information or interviews please contact either:

Hendro Suwito, WV Indonesia Communications Manager on: Mobile +62-811997762 or email: hendro_suwito@wvi.org

OR

Andrea Russell, Crisis & Relief Communications Manager on: 0044 7946 539 571 or email andrea_russell@wvi.org