Bali Bombings

Statement from Kevin McVittie, a witness to the bombings.

"I was staying at the Risata Bali Resort with Ian Finlay and Ian Stafford. While there we met a New Zealander who was also a friend, Mark Parker. Over the weeks we would have a few beers in the bar at the Hotel. At about 9pm we would go to the Stadium Sports Bar in Kuta. We would have a bite to eat and a few drinks and at about 10:30pm we would get a taxi opposite Paddy’s Bar. The streets were very busy and we are at the corner about 11pm. On the night of the bombing the taxi stopped just before the corner facing Paddy’s. I could not see down Legian Street."


"Mark was in the front seat of the taxi. I was out first and was on the kerb. I was in the back seat behind the driver. Ian Stafford and Ian Finlay were beside me in the back seat. The others got out and start to walk towards Legian Street. I had to pay the driver 20,000 rp. I saw Mark was almost across Legian Street but not yet on the footpath. Just behind Mark were the 2 Ians. I took a few steps and was then right on the corner of the street still looking at Paddys. I stopped momentarily and heard Ian Stafford ask Are we going to Wigwam bar first? I replied yes. And then saw Mark and the 2 Ians swing left. Mark was almost outside the entrance of Paddy’s, Ian Finlay was slightly behind him with Ian Stafford still in the middle of the road. I was about to turn and step out on to the road and walk down towards the Wigwam Bar. I was looking in front of Paddy’s and saw over the 4 foot wall. I saw an orange flash of sparks come from Paddy’s Bar. I then heard a thud of an explosion.
I was just stepping onto the road and the next thing I was lying in the middle of Legian Street facing down towards the Sari Club. I was disorientated by the explosion and then heard a louder bang. I covered my head and fell into a hole 7 foot by 2 foot in diameter. I picked myself up and out of the hole. I saw that there was a girl wearing a red top in the hole as well. The area was covered in debris and black soot and smoke was everywhere. There was a raging wall of fire some feet in front of me. There were people running in all directions. I could not see what was going on. I could not see any of my group. I moved in the same direction of the masses of people and they moved turned and left down an alley. I knew that I had to make my way back to the hotel. I was given a ride there and the hotel said that I should get treatment for my injuries. I went to 3 hospitals, they were all full and the fourth was able to treat me. I had serious cuts in my hand, a cut right leg. I collapsed in my room. I was woken by Ian Stafford and was told that Ian Finlay had died. On the 14th of October the Hotel told me that Mark had died in hospital."


Blast Centre



Investigation

The New Zealand Police are assisting the Australian Federal Police (AFP) who are working with the Indonesian Police in capturing the terrorists involved. "I will be tracking these terrorists for many years right to Al Qaeda and prosecuting them all!" (Comment by a Senior AFP officer).

Conclusion

"Murray, I hope this provides your family with the information you requested. I am one of many in the Police that will continue to bring to justice, terrorists who took your son and so many other young people on the 12 October 2002". Condolences, Dave TOMOANA



Cleansing Ceremony Phototgraphs