Tragedy beyond reckoning

On Thursday morning, families of 37 children in and around Amman prepared their young ones for what they thought would be an enjoyable excursion unaware of the big tragedy that was in store. Within the next few hours, they heard a news which was hard to believe.

Flash floods have claimed the lives of 21 schoolchildren as raging floodwaters swept away a school bus near Jordan’s shore of the Dead Sea. The school bus was returning from Victoria College in Amman after visiting the popular Wadi Zarqa Ma’in tourist site when the vehicle was swept away by floodwaters.

Reports revealed that the 21 children who lost their lives were 14 years old and below. Speaking to Tribune, mother of victim Naba said the family is trying hard to cope with the loss. Mother of 14 years old Tala Al Assaf, another victim, said the school authorities failed to ensure that the parents received a consent form before the excursion.

“We didn’t receive a consent form for the deadly trip, we had no idea it was going to be in that dangerous area,” stated the traumatized mother. “Tala was a wonderful boy whose dream was to join the security forces,” she recalled. The heroic act of Ali brothers stood tall as he along with his three brothers saved four children from drowning. Wael Al Ali successfully saved two children and attempted to save a teacher when the harsh waves rendered him unconscious.