Source: Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania
June 2, 2016
On Friday, May 27, a group of Orthodox pilgrims from the Saint Theodor Church in Vlora had a tragic and fatal accident. After visiting the Monastery of St. Vlash in Durres, the group headed for the city of Kruja where the accident happened. Right in the center of the city, the pilgrims' bus caught fire due to an electric spark, putting in danger the lives of all inside. Heart-felt thanks go to Kruja citizens and especially to one of them who happened to be near the site of the accident, who intervened to help and smashed the vehicle windows to get the people out, saving as a result the lives of most of them. Unfortunately, our very dear sister in Christ, Ms. Violeta Gjika, did not survive the flames. May God establish her soul in the tents of the righteous and ease the pain of her family members!
Also special thanks are extended to the firefighters, police officers, and health care service workers at the hospital of Kruja and to all those who helped the injured with utmost commitment.
The Ministry of Health helped to transfer the seriously injured patients to the Burn Unit in the University Hospital "Mother Teresa" Center in Tirana where they were welcomed and treated with utmost commitment from the staff.
The injured were visited by the Prime Minister of Albania, Mr. Edi Rama, and the Minister of Health, Mr. Ilir Beqja who expressed their utmost concern and support for the treatment of the patients.
Each of the injured was also visited by Archbishop Anastasios, who was accompanied by the Minister of Health, both in the intensive care unit as well as in their hospital rooms. He prayed for them, blessed them and wished them a speedy recovery.
About this event, the President of the country, Mr. Bujar Nishani said, “In the position of the President of the country, I express my sincere regret and deep sorrow for the tragic bus accident that the faithful of Kruja went through. Also I extend my condolecenses to the family of the victim.”
In addition to his concern about the serious accident, the Head of State also expressed his wishes for a faster recovery of the injured, simultaneously making a call for the Government and the respective institutions to provide specialized assistance abroad, if necessary.
President Nishani also required prosecution and law enforcement authorities to investigate the causes of the tragic accident, in order that the truth comes to light and the real causes of this tragedy be revealed.
Deep pain and condolences were also expressed through social network by the President of the Democratic Party in Albania, Mr. Lulzim Basha who said: "I express my pain and sorrow for the injured involved in the fatal accident in Kruje as well as my condolences to the family of the victim. I join the prayers and hope of everybody that the consequences of this accident will not get worse and that the injured have a fast recovery. "
The injured were also visited by Mr. Dritan Leli, the Mayor of Vlora and other deputies of the area.
Eleven faithful are hospitalized, seven of whom are in the intensive care unit risking even their lives. Let us please remain united in our prayers for their fast healing and health recovery.
