Scouts and Guides in Belgium Mourn Their Young Friends

(WSB/Geneva) – The tragic consequences of a terrible road accident on Tuesday night in Switzerland have left all of us speechless. 22 children, four teachers and accompanying adults and the two bus drivers lost their lives on their way home to Belgium. 24 children were injured.

“As volunteers and professionals in the Scout Movement, we are regularly engaged in activities with and for children who have the same age as the victims of this terrible accident”, said David McKee, Regional Director of the European Scout Office, “It is always terrible and sad to be confronted with such cruel realities. And it is hard to find proper words to express our feelings”.

Scouts and Guides in Belgium Mourn Their Young Friends

On behalf of the European Scout Region and Scouts from all over Europe and beyond, Craig Turpie, Chairperson of the European Scout Committee, expressed his sincere condolences: “Our hearts and prayers are with the families, parents, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters and friends of the victims. Our special thoughts are with the members and friends of local Scout Groups in Belgium who have lost young Scouts and Guides in this tragedy.”

In memory of their lost friends, the people of Belgium will observe a minute of silence this Friday, 16 March 2012, at 11.00 hours.

For additional information: Scouts en Gidsen Vlaanderen

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