A B757 battery caught fire as the aircraft began its push back but it was quickly returned to the gate where the passengers were directed off the aircraft. The flight attendants became ill; were sent to a hotel and later interviewed by the EPA.

Narrative

The aft part of the main cabin; aft of the window exits; began to fill with smoke very shortly after push back from the gate. The safety video was playing; we had just backed away from the gate. I; Flight Attendant #3 went into the cabin to tell the passengers to open the window shades. There were only 40 passengers. Also to leave their luggage put away. After realizing the front entry door was open I then directed passengers to quickly walk to the exit; reminding them to leave their luggage. Once everyone was off the airplane; Flight Attendant's #2; 3; and 4 and a nov-rev First Officer received oxygen. Feeling queasy; I soon got physically ill. A supervisor (Flight Service) asked several questions; about the episode and the smoke. We were told if we did not continue to fly we would be removed from the sequence without pay. We were told this many times; I did not feel I could continue to fly that day. Flight Attendant's 2; 3; and 4 were given hotel rooms at airport. We were Deadheaded back to base the next day. Upon landing we were met by our supervisors; and went for a debriefing with the EPA. We were informed the smoke was due to an APU battery catching fire. The smoke was acidic and electrical smelling.