Plane catches fire, scientists escape unhurt

NEW DELHI: At least 11 top scientists of the country visiting the tsunami-ravaged area had a miraculous escape after a propeller of the Dornier aircraft in which they were seated caught fire.
The scientists miraculously escaped unhurt even as flames leapt out from the aircraft which was due to take off. Among those onboard the aircraft were director general of health services, Dr S P Aggarwal, director, National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Dr M D Gupte, director National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Dr S Bhattacharya, director, National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Dr Shiv Lal, deputy director-general of ICMR, Dr Lalit Kant and deputy director-general, DGHS, Dr R L Ichhpujani.