Would have been an interesting half hour or so for the crew and fire crews.
Engine debris was contained in the cowling except for the bits that 'escaped' out the big round hole at the back.
Those escapees at upwards of 1,000 degrees C was what started the grass fire on the runway edge.
Why Sydney Airports Corporation safety department allowed the dry grass there to grow to knee length during our bushfire season will be a question for the ATSB.
As far as the evacuation decision - there was no subsequent aircraft damage, no engine fire as confirmed by the crew and fire department when they stopped at the upwind end of the runway for a visual check, so a taxi back to the gate was deemed to be the safest course of action.
If the engine was on fire then the decision would in all probability been a different one.
Last time I had an engine that decided to morph into a different shape, my wingman reported that he heard the tinkle of turbine blades on his windscreen through his helmet shortly before he went IMC in the extinguisher cloud. He mentioned that also was interesting for a little bit.
They can escape with some force and glee to be free ....
As for the journalists story - he is a respected investigative journalist that has covered wars, famine etc around the world. The notion that "his blood ran cold" has likely been misquoted and probably written by someone who normally covers flower shows.