LTU flight commander aborted the takeoff of Flight LT447 at 7:41 pm after the fire alarm went off notifying engine drive problem. The fire extinguishing system of the airplane and the emergency breaks were used. The 285 passengers and 11 crews were rapidly evacuating and the fire in the left turbine was put out. Twelve persons suffered slight lesions, two minor fractures and one required medical assistance due to a nervous crisis. The persons were injured during the shuffle to leave the airplane using the Airbus 330 jet’s eight tobogans. The injured received medical attention at Higuey medical centers. They spent the evening at the Punta Cana Beach Resort and left the next day on another LTU flight for Frankfurt, their original destination. Relatives awaiting them in Frankfurt were kept informed of the situation. This was the first emergency to occur at the Punta Cana International Airport that has been in operation for 14 years. There was praise for the LTU handling of the situation and for airport personnel. (18 January 2000)
