Passengers on board the Qantas jet flying from Hong Kong to Melbourne have described a frightening experience after a section of fuselage parted company with the rest of the plane.

Those on board would have found themselves at the mercy of technology and the actions of the Qantas crew.

Fortunately for the passengers it appears the crew, including the pilot, were nothing less than calm and professional, putting into practice their training for such emergencies.

But what will be of real interest to the four investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau heading to Manila, where the plane was diverted, is how it could be possible for a section of plane to tear off without obvious warning at 29,000 feet.

Equally as alarming are some reports of oxygen masks failing to drop down automatically and masks with perished elastic ties.

Of course none of these claims have been officially verified, and the wonderful news was that all 345 passengers were able to leave the aircraft uninjured after a safe landing.

The outcome of the investigation by the ATSB will be of great interest to the public, and doubtless to airlines around the world flying aircraft of a similar type and vintage.

CAR SMOKING BAN A

LOGICAL NEXT MOVE

YESTERDAY came a report that some time early next year it will be illegal to smoke in a car containing children under the age of 16.

While some smokers might view the move as an intrusion on civil liberties, given the abundance of evidence related to the dangers of smoking it will be a logical extension of existing smoking restrictions.

Few environments are as enclosed as a car, and the law will give children protection against the risks associated with passive smoking.

Victoria will not be out on a limb when this law, which could result in on-the-spot fines for offenders, is put in place.

Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania already have a ban on smoking in cars carrying children.