The plane landed punctually in Catania at 2.40 pm, then the transfer by bus to Messina where there were parents, relatives and friends in the square in front of the university headquarters. They are the students of the Liceo Classico La Farina who during their trip to Spain in Barcelona were involved in a car accident between two tourist buses. The others have already returned yesterday.
Fortunately, no one of those who were on board that bus had serious consequences, apart from a couple, but not such as to prevent him from staying in Spain until the end of an experience that, even more, will not forget for the rest of their life. All students of the Lassi 5^ B and G. on their arrival flowers and banners to welcome them. Hugs and smiles at the arrival of the bus, the boys were overwhelmed by the affection of their loved ones and the companions who had arrived the day before. Among the most smiling the young man who remedied a fracture on the nose but who wanted to stay with his companions on the trip to the end. “The joy of being together and having passed an episode that could turn into tragedy made us overcome all discomfort, we had fun,” he said.
The professor’s story: “The boys first of all”
“We put the boys in the first place, this was the most important thing,” says the professor at the head of the group. “Now that we have dealt with them and we all report them here, we will also think of us and we will do some medical checks, because the accident was quite serious. The impact was there, but probably someone from above has protected us: it went well”.
The courage of the students: “Fear has not divided us, quite the contrary”
Among the boys involved, Raffaele is one of those who suffered the most visible wounds: “Unfortunately I broke my nose, I suffered a broken fracture after slamming against the seat in front, but I’m fine”. In addition to fear and physical pain, what struck the students most was the cohesion that was created between them: “A true community spirit has developed within the school, one thing never seen before. I made friends with guys with whom I didn’t even talk before. Despite everything, mutual support was fundamental”.
Trauma and fears: “Now getting on a bus is more scary”
Another student tells about his experience, highlighting how the emotional impact was as strong as the physical one: “I wounded slightly, nothing serious, but the real damage was psychological. The fear of tracing on a bus is something that will accompany us for a while. Even during the trip, despite everything, the anguish was always present”. Despite the trauma, the boys recognize the great support received by the professors and experts who helped them to elaborate what happened. “The teachers were very good at managing the situation and they helped us a lot. The professionals who intervened for psychological support have done an excellent job.”
A happy ending between fears and new friends
The accident left signs, both physical and emotional, but also brought out a strong sense of solidarity. “Fortunately we are all well”, the boys conclude, “and even if fear will accompany us for a while, this experience has united us as never before”.