We call this An Accident?

An English language newspaper reported that an English couple seemed to have been involved in “ A Macabre Accident.”

It seems that they become entangled with a young motorcyclist who was first struck by another car coming in the opposite direction, and he was then struck by the English couple’s car travelling in the counter direction, and his clothing was caught on their car. So far it appears that they were not at fault in this very sad tale, but then, inexplicably they carried on for two kilometres dragging the unfortunate child. Finally, they were seen by CCTV camera taking a manoeuvre to shake the child from their car, before carrying on.

All the while the young man was still alive, dying later from his injuries. I have a 17 year-old son who rides a motorcycle, and this is really too difficult to think about. I am trying to have empathy with his parents and family.

Investigating officers later determined that the couple were trying to change the license plates to their car.

Firstly, I maintain that there can be but one true accident, that being when a wild animal enters the roadway unexpectedly. Otherwise, the accident can normally be avoided or blame laid at the door of someone, including bad road design, faulty maintenance or design, or just plain other human error.

Of course, this case has not yet been prosecuted and we have not heard all the facts, but if the truth is broadly that as reported we are being faced with one of the most inhuman acts that could be perpetrated by one “human” to another.

I am outraged that someone who is English could take such an action. Hundreds of people have responded by attending this young 17 year old’s funeral, thereby demonstrating their concern for a young life lost in such a tragic manner. It would be fitting, I think for a major response from the English community in Spain to hold some form of demonstration to reassure our Spanish hosts that such action on the part of English nationals, if proved to be true, is certainly not supported, and in fact is roundly condemned.

We, the general public are somewhat complicit however, for as long as we continue to call cases such as this one “an accident” we excuse all those acts that occur on the road that are in reality manslaughter, or suicides/murder.

Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael