Tragedy in Knysna

(The following email arrived at my in-box on Wednesday morning)

Good morning staff,

Our town was shocked this morning with a tragic bus accident whereby a number of school kids have been killed and/or drowned.

The accident happened just outside of Knysna in the early morning whereby a school bus transporting kids to Rheedendal (a settlement outside of town) left the road and crashed into a river.

The number of children killed not known yet (I don't want to speculate as

there is a lot of rumours doing the round and divers are still searching for

bodies)

All aid organisations are involved on many terrains and we have cancelled

all our schedules for the next few days to assist with counselling,

briefing, debriefing etc.

Please keep the family members who have given their young ones a 'good-buy'

kiss this morning and will never see them again in your prayers.  Also our

staff, volunteers and TEAM BUYELA  as they will be ministering to many broken families, friends and teachers the next few days.

(The next day was the following email)

It was a sad day yesterday to see so many traumatised parents, family and friends of the children rushed to the scene and hospital in search of their relatives.

Sobbing parents and family members were comforted by many pastors, social- and other aid workers and various bystanders as the news of deaths of the children were received.

Some of our Youth for Christ and Options staff and volunteers were debriefed this morning as they had to assist yesterday at the mortuary where families had to identify their precious lost children.

YFC staff and volunteers are back at the Rheenendal School and Community centre today to assist with the many other aid organisations comforting the grieved and shocked learners, their teachers and the families.

Many have asked how they could contribute.

We have opened our doors as a drop-off point for any aid (especially food) anyone want to donate.  Financial contributions could also be made into the YFC account.

Account details:

Jeug vir Christus

FNB

Account number 62291040641

Branch code 210214

Reference: "bus" (please add your email or cell number should you want a receipt)

Please keep on praying for the broken-hearted victims as counselling and caring for the friends and family will continue in the next days and weeks to come.