B737-500
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 220; Flight Crew Total 15000; Flight Crew Type 10000
Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown; Ground Event / Encounter Vehicle
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Human Factors
After pushback we received a taxi clearance. After we began to move; we noticed a tug heading right for us. It appeared that they did not see us. I had to stop quickly. We contacted the cabin crew to assess the situation; and were informed of a flight attendant injury needing medical assistance. We informed Ramp Tower of the incident; and requested a gate return with medical assistance. We returned to the gate; and were then informed that a second and third Flight Attendant had been injured. The people were given medical attention; and eventually replaced.
I noticed a baggage cart coming straight towards us. I informed the Captain; pointed out the possible incursion; and noticed the driver was not stopping. At that time; to avoid a collision; the Captain stopped the airplane. We noticed that the driver still had not seen us and; only at the last moment; he swerved out of the way.
While taxiing for takeoff the flight crew of a B737 had to stop abruptly to avoid tug pulling baggage carts; the driver of which was apparently distracted and failed to take evasive action only at the last moment. Three flight attendants were injured in the stop and had to be replaced to seek medical attention.