Accidents Happen (Unfortunately)

Two pastors from a church in Ohio came to visit the WR programs that they have helped with in Gaza Province. Since we needed a driver anyhow, I convinced Steve to go with us and spend time with them as well.

We picked them up from the airport mid-afternoon and took off for the village. Traffic wasn't too bad in Maputo (a relative statement) and we made good time. As we got closer to the village we saw places where the flood had damaged the road and at one point we needed to make a detour because the road was gone.

As we were getting close to our destination Steve slowed down behind a mini-van that was stopping to let off passengers. We could see a car speeding toward us and it seemed he was too close to the middle of the narrow road (no centerlines there). We didn't have enough momentum to get out of the way quickly and sure enough, he sideswiped our WR vehicle. As always, we were a bit shocked that we had been hit but quickly verified that no one was seriously hurt. The pastors in the back had bumped into each other and had some sore ribs but that was it.

Both tires were sheared off, the hub was bent and the rear axle was completely dislocated and bent.

 

It was not a pretty sight. Immediately after the crash the bars close to the road emptied out and we were surrounded by very excited people. I decided that a good place for me to stay was right in my seat, making some phone calls and praying. Steve and the pastors got out to investigate.

 

What they saw was the other car (picture taken the next day). The driver was unhurt and ran away a few minutes later as he had no license and seemed to be under the influence of something. His mother who was with him bumped into the windshield and had a bump on her head.

 

 

 

We were very thankful that Dr. Pieter was close by and he came to help us sort out the situation. Our Bible study was meeting that night so I had called them. They prayed that someone would help us move the vehicle. Pieter had tried to call some people to do that but had no luck and thought we would need to get someone from Maputo - 3.5 hrs away to come. But as we were sitting there waiting for the police, a truck went by. The driver knows Pieter and he offered to come back later and move the truck to his house and later to Maputo. We were grateful for this and so thankful that no one was seriously hurt. A few inches could have made a big difference. Angels were watching over us!