Families pay tribute to Britons killed in Ecuador bus crash

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Title – Families pay tribute to Britons killed in Ecuador bus crash
Source – The Independent
Date – 15th April 2008

This incident that left 5 girls dead and five families devastated was a tragic accident and no amount of training, research or preparation would have made any difference; the circumstances that led up to the crash are not yet known, but it does seem to be a road accident that could happen anywhere in the world including outside the very homes we live in here in the UK. That it took place so far from the homes of those involved makes the tragedy that much more pronounced and that those involved were young adults starting out on their own for the first time and at the beginning of the adventure of a life time which they were so brave to embark on, makes this story sadder than any words can express.

But it is to the families and friends of those involved that our thoughts go. No family should have to go through such pain and their loss is something that no words or actions can heal.

The reaction of the family and friends of those involved in this accident has been inspirational, that they can be so strong and so positive in their grief is the greatest attribute to their children and the strength of their families. Often the snap judgement in such cases is to regret allowing people to start out on these adventures and some press articles and web blogs have questioned the merits of Gap Years; but the families have not once questioned the merits of their children setting out on these adventures. They believed in the spirit of their children and they admired their courage and it is in this confidence that they celebrate their lives and want to share with others the exceptional character of their children.

Setting off on a Gap Year is not ever going to be risk free, but going into any town in the UK is not risk free. What we have to do is minimise this risk and be sensible about what we do and where we go. In this case they had done their planning and had chosen to go with a company they had researched thoroughly. Many of those who have survived and friends have mentioned that this type of travel is not without risk and they are right, they have also said that life without risk is life without reward and this too is right. But risk for the sake of it is wrong. Reducing risk to a minimum to claim the reward is the right balance providing the risk is within acceptable levels.

Travel by road is dangerous in the UK and it generally just gets more dangerous in other countries, sometimes this is to the point of making the risk almost unacceptable. Often the way of reducing that risk is by using local drivers, who understand the road conditions and the ‘rules’ of the road in the country you are visiting. Even local drivers come with different standards and it is certainly worth reducing the risk further by using reputable companies. Something which seems to have been the case here.

But to dwell on the reasons for this accident is not beneficial here as this does seem to be a tragic accident. What is important is to ensure that we heed the advice of the families involved who have been so brave and talked about their loss, that this accident does not put other off going on Gap Years. Travel is as they have explained, an experience that broadens the mind and the spirit, there is risk in everything we do. Risk itself should not prevent people from the wonderful adventures that lie out there to be discovered.

The world is undoubtedly a sadder place for the loss of those involved in this accident, but I hope their spirit of adventure lives on to encourage others to follow their path that although ultimately cut short provides such a positive influence on all who read about their lives

To their family and friends we send our condolences and our admiration for their courage in them encouraging others to follow the example set by their children.

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