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C-BERSS EX-PRESS
March 2004
Issue 1, Vol 7
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All Newsletters : March 2004 : "Scars From The Past"
"Scars From The Past"
It was a day which held the promise of holidays with families down in the south west of WA during a glorious summer break away from school.
The Clontarf bus was packed with 53 youngsters eager for new adventures.
It was 8.15 am as the bus headed towards a narrow bridge over a culvert along the South-West Highway. Simultaneously, a five tonne tip truck was approaching from the other end.
In the collision that ensued, the steel tray of the approaching truck cut through the side of the bus causing devastating injuries to those within.
Seven year old Michael Bowman lost his life and a further 18 boys suffered severe injuries including fractures so bad that amputation was the only option.
Two of the boys required double amputations, while another three boys each lost a leg.
According to newspaper articles at the time, the Federal Minister for Immigration filed writs for negligence by both drivers claiming that both had driven at excessive speed, partly on the wrong side of the road, failed to properly look out for other vehicles on the road and failed to take proper steps to avoid a collision.
But despite the claims as to whoever and whatever blame may be attributed, our enduring tribute is to those who have lived through the trauma of the Clontarf bus accident and come out the other side with such dignity and determination.
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