Kids are resilient, says mom of two Corner Brook skaters
A mother of two young skaters with the Corner Brook Silver Blades says the team is recuperating after Thursday night's bus accident near Grand Falls-Windsor.
Dozens of young skaters were aboard a bus carrying 55 passengers to the provincial synchronized championships in Clarenville.
The DRL charter bus left the highway and flipped on its side. Poor weather conditions were a factor.
Annette Bennett and her daughters were travelling behind the bus in their own vehicle. Bennett said the skaters, families and coaches are doing well.
"We're all recuperating and recovering and ... we have no life-threatening injuries so we feel blessed in that regard," she told CBC News.
You really learn what our Newfoundland communities are made of ...- Annette Bennett, mother of two Corner Brook skaters
According to Central Health, three people were held in the emergency room and two were airlifted to St. John's for further treatment. All patients at Central Health have since been discharged.
Bennett said the team's received tremendous support from the community. Hospital staff served juice, popsicles and water to the group and buses were arranged to bring people to their hotel.
"You really learn what our Newfoundland communities are made of, so a sincere thank you to everybody that's helped," Bennett said.
Bennett's husband spoke with a truck driver who came upon the accident and stopped to help.
"He was a stranger, he didn't know any of us," said Bennett of the man.
"No hesitation, [he] just jumped out of the vehicle, doors left wide open, vehicle going and down helping people get to safety. I mean, all you can say is thank you because it's amazing."
The group also thanked the volunteer fire department, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and tow truck operators for their quick response.
As for the young athletes: "Children are pretty resilient," said Bennett.
"For the most part, they're playing with their friends now and just being kids — and that's what we're letting them do."
Bennett said the skaters and parents will remain in Grand Falls-Windsor on Friday night and, weather permitting, the team will travel back to Corner Brook on Saturday.
With files from Chris Ensing