The Salvation Army Responds To Seattle Aurora Bridge Crash
On September 24, words and images of a horrible accident spread across the country on traditional and social media. People everywhere were hearing about a tragic accident on a bridge in Seattle – a collision of a bus and a “duck” from the popular tourist activity “Ride the Ducks.”
Four people died that day, another person died a few days later, and many were hospitalized in critical or serious condition. Hearts dropped when the names of the victims were announced – all were students at North Seattle College, part of the school’s international student program. They were traveling on a coach bus, headed to downtown Seattle for a fun-filled day in their new city.
The community rallied immediately, contributing however they could to the families of victims, and the many other injured students. Generous gifts came from near and far – food, hotel rooms, airfare for families, money for continued medical care, and more. Seattle Mayor Ed Murray reported that “As a compassionate city, this community is already coming together to provide much needed support.”
The Salvation Army, known for its quick response to disaster situations, received a call from North Seattle College on the day of the accident. The college asked The Salvation Army to provide ministers on campus, to offer emotional and spiritual support to anyone who needed it. (Salvation Army officers are trained ministers, experienced in counseling all ages and issues.)
Major Rob Reardon, director of The Salvation Army in North Seattle is coordinating the ministry response at the college. Active and retired officers from throughout Western Washington are volunteering for shifts on campus, to be a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on. “We’ve been on campus every day, all day, since the accident,” reported Major Reardon. “For many of these students, faculty, and staff, it’s still as painful as it was one week ago.”
The College recognizes that it will take months for any sense of “normalcy” to return to the campus. As of October 1, college administrators asked The Salvation Army to continue ministering for at least six months – even providing an office on campus for The Army. “We’re honored to be here,” said Major Reardon. “It’s what God has called us to do.”
For many who witnessed the accident through the media, there’s a desire to help the families impacted by the Aurora Bridge Accident. Online financial donations are accepted HERE to help support The Salvation Army ongoing disaster response. Donations are accepted via phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
The Salvation Army is also collecting tangible items for victims’ families and injured students. Donation arrangements can be made by email to NorthwestDisaster@usw.salvationarmy.org or by calling 206-783-1225.