After the recent school bus accident, in which 32 children lost their lives, many families are grieving and the nation is mourning deeply. The accident took place early on Monday morning as the bus carried many students on their way to school. It appears from first reports that the bus accidentally moved off the road and fell into a ravine for unknown reasons.
Emergency workers rushed to the site, but it was obvious right away that the disaster was huge. Rescue crews hurriedly removed people from the wreckage, however, some of the victims were declared dead as soon as they were found and others died shortly after being admitted to hospitals nearby.
The stress they feel is deep. Parents, family members, teachers and neighbors were present outside the hospitals and schools, feeling shocked and disbelieving. There were those who anxiously hoped for any word about their children and unfortunately, some found out that their children had vanished.
Candles were lit and flowers were placed in tribute to the young lives lost at vigils that took place throughout a number of towns. Large groups of people feel sorrow, echoing the nation’s shock at how much was lost during the disaster.
The government has expressed great sorrow to the families and ordered a national day of mourning. Across Canada, flags have been lowered and schools had moments of silence to pay respect to the victims. Officials in the education ministry are carrying out an investigation to determine if the accident was caused by a technical fault, driving mistake or unsafe road situation. The driver of the bus, who made it out of the crash and is currently under medical care, will soon give key details to investigators.
After the disaster, support services for people’s psychological needs and grief-related issues have been provided in the affected regions. Staff at the school and fellow students of the victims are receiving trauma counseling, since many are struggling with the loss.
As the nation mourns, messages of support and sympathy keep coming from many parts of the world. Supportive messages have arrived from leaders, groups that help people and those who originate from the affected countries. The silence is very heavy at this time, as families try to bury their children and feel the pain parents should not have to experience.
