Pilgrims injured in accident at Triacastela?

[Wokabaut_Meri]

A friend sent me this link to this article: http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/notici...ierba-triacastela/00031467106363382293856.htm reportedly about 2 Canadian pilgrims being injured a few days ago by what I presume is a roll of hay which fell from a tractor.

Can anyone verify this incident?

 

[SabsP]

Yes and the lady was taken to the specialised hospital in Lugo with multiple traumas. Stable now.
Saw it confirmed on a local spanish FB group.

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Yes and the lady was taken to the specialised hospital in Lugo with multiple traumas. Stable now.
Saw it confirmed on a local spanish FB group.

Thank you for confirming the story. Hopefully she will continue to recover.

 

[David]

Hope she is recovering well - but - What are the odds? Of all the things that could happen on Camino - to be squashed flat by a large hay bale? what are the odds??

 

[Albertagirl]

Hope she is recovering well - but - What are the odds? Of all the things that could happen on Camino - to be squashed flat by a large hay bale? what are the odds??

@David:
I don't know about the odds of this happening to a pilgrim, but I have heard of it happening to two members of a farming family. The huge round hay bales were being carried in front of the tractor, so that the driver's view was obscured. It was possible to lift a bale with the machinery to the point of being able to see the road ahead underneath the bale, which then became quite insecure and fell on the driver. For a family member to do this a second time suggests a definite vocation to the Darwin award. I do not know if this story is/was a rural legend.

 

[C clearly]

Hope she is recovering well - but - What are the odds? Of all the things that could happen on Camino - to be squashed flat by a large hay bale? what are the odds??

I would be stunned to even see a hay bale being trucked down my street. We need to remember that the camino goes through a lot of agricultural activity and there are many hazards that us city folk don't get exposed to.

It is important to stand well back of machinery and think about what can go wrong. My companion and I stopped to watch some logging trucks in Galicia for quite awhile, as the trucks and trailers made their way along a muddy rutted track. It looked very precarious so we climbed well out of the way.

I am relieved that the injured pilgrims are recovering.

 

[Mark Lee]

I would be stunned to even see a hay bale being trucked down my street. We need to remember that the camino goes through a lot of agricultural activity and there are many hazards that us city folk don't get exposed to.

It is important to stand well back of machinery and think about what can go wrong. My companion and I stopped to watch some logging trucks in Galicia for quite awhile, as the trucks and trailers made their way along a muddy rutted track. It looked very precarious so we climbed well out of the way.

I am relieved that the injured pilgrims are recovering.

Same with the livestock. Everyone who has done the CF has been walking in a rural village while locals are moving milk cows from point A to point B. Sometimes they have to go down some narrow streets and dirt roads. Give them wide berth, and let them pass. Quite often they have working dogs moving the cows.
Also be cognizant of electric fences used to keep livestock in. Pretty common on the CF. You'll know them by the insulators on the wires.

 

[C clearly]

Same with the livestock.

And that surely includes bedbugs! (Please nobody get excited! I am joking! Mark Lee and I have an ongoing debate on this topic.)

 

[Mark Lee]

And that surely includes bedbugs! (Please nobody get excited! I am joking! Mark Lee and I have an ongoing debate on this topic.)

yeah, I heard they have annual bedbug roundups every year along the CF....put them in tiny little corrals and later release them into albergues and such
joke, people...joke

 

[Albertagirl]

Like @C clearly, I have had to be alert for farming machinery when on camino. The worst, in my experience, was a very large harrow, with scythe-like blades lifted for transport but fully capable of shredding me. It occupied every inch of the camino, so that I had to move well away into the ditch to avoid being hit. There was no margin at all. I suspect that some of this machinery, new and shiny, now occupies more of the camino than it did when the route was designed or adjusted for farm machinery.

 

[DanielH]

yeah, I heard they annual bedbug roundups every year along the CF....put them in tiny little corrals and later release them into albergues and such
joke, people...joke

my favorites is the barrel racing

 

[David]

Going up from St Jean .. fairly narrow section, I heard galloping - sounded like the 7th cavalry in a 50's film .. around the bend came about two dozen horses .. I scrambled up onto the bank (was a drop on the other side) as they went by, filling the path - were being pushed on by two young farmers in a pickup .... bit weird I suppose, but rather beautiful.

 

[Michel Lévesque]

I am the husband. My wife seems secure now. She had surgery a hospital de la coruna.

Impossible to prevent the accident. We see nothing and heard nothing. The way use by the tractor has been upper by 10-15 feets.

Thanks for the help obtain by others pilgrims, government of Galicia and medical workers.

And other long way is expected. Great chance that she stay paraplegic. For me not too bad in circumstance. Muscular injuries. My walk stick protect me...

 

[David]

That is so terrible - I do hope that your wife fully recovers ...

 

[SabsP]

I am the husband. My wife seems secure now. She had surgery a hospital de la coruna.

Impossible to prevent the accident. We see nothing and heard nothing. The way use by the tractor has been upper by 10-15 feets.

Thanks for the help obtain by others pilgrims, government of Galicia and medical workers.

And other long way is expected. Great chance that she stay paraplegic. For me not too bad in circumstance. Muscular injuries. My walk stick protect me...

Michel,

My best wishes to your wife and yourself. I really hope she will make further progress . Hope you will receive all the help and support possible.

Un abrazo!

 

[vgen5122]

Alot of people come to Spain for the running of the Bulls. One day while I was walking the Camino Frances and minding my own business a farmer decided to let his cows out of their pens, making them run up ahead into an open field.
Here I was taking in the beauty that is Spain when suddenly I turn around and I was running with the cows. I should really say that I was running from the cows. I know that if the farmer did not turn his cows I was going to be in serious trouble. Luckily he did turn them (the cows) and all went well. Bueno Camino.

 

[NualaOC]

I am the husband. My wife seems secure now. She had surgery a hospital de la coruna.

Impossible to prevent the accident. We see nothing and heard nothing. The way use by the tractor has been upper by 10-15 feets.

Thanks for the help obtain by others pilgrims, government of Galicia and medical workers.

And other long way is expected. Great chance that she stay paraplegic. For me not too bad in circumstance. Muscular injuries. My walk stick protect me...

Michel, Thank you for joining this forum. I'm so sorry to hear of this terrible misfortune. I am thinking of you both and sending good wishes.

 

[GettingThere]

I am the husband. My wife seems secure now. She had surgery a hospital de la coruna.

Impossible to prevent the accident. We see nothing and heard nothing. The way use by the tractor has been upper by 10-15 feets.

Thanks for the help obtain by others pilgrims, government of Galicia and medical workers.

And other long way is expected. Great chance that she stay paraplegic. For me not too bad in circumstance. Muscular injuries. My walk stick protect me...

Michel, you and your wife are in our prayers. This is a terrible thing that has happened to you both. Sending you best wishes for your wife to make a full recovery, and that you are able to return home together soon. There will be many people around the world praying for you today.

 

[pudgypilgrim]

Michael, I am so sorry to hear about your wife. I hope she will recover completely.

 

[Michel Lévesque]

Thanks for tour good words. Situation is still critical but running normal from medical point of view.
It Is difficult to obtain police report here. Not like Canada. Be advised.

We are catholic and I am on final stage of formation for permanent Deacon... Well, first priority Is my wife. Will see later what are God thinking about That.

Sorry for my de English.

 

[Nanc]

Michel. My prayers for your wife, and you, as you travel this road beside her. It sounds like you both gave a foundation in faith, and if a deacon, a parish, to surround you. If you care, please keep us informed of your progress
Nanc

 

[Anniesantiago]

Michael, I'm so sorry to hear about this accident.
Who knows what God was thinking?
Your wife and you are in my thoughts and prayers for a positive outcome.

 

[Violet]

I am the husband. My wife seems secure now. She had surgery a hospital de la coruna.

Impossible to prevent the accident. We see nothing and heard nothing. The way use by the tractor has been upper by 10-15 feets.

Thanks for the help obtain by others pilgrims, government of Galicia and medical workers.

And other long way is expected. Great chance that she stay paraplegic. For me not too bad in circumstance. Muscular injuries. My walk stick protect me...

Michael-I am sending you and your wife love, light and the very best juju. Y'all are in my prayers and thoughts. My hopes for a full and speedy recovery to you both.
Violet

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Thanks for tour good words. Situation is still critical but running normal from medical point of view.
It Is difficult to obtain police report here. Not like Canada. Be advised.
.

Michel, si vous ou votre epouse avez besoin de quoi que ce soit, de l'aide pour vous faire comprendre, n'importe quoi, n'hesitez pas a me contacter. L'espagnol est ma langue maternelle, j'habite Montreal et ai fait le Chemin a plusieurs reprises.

Mes pensees vous accompagnent.

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Thanks for tour good words. Situation is still critical but running normal from medical point of view.
It Is difficult to obtain police report here. Not like Canada. Be advised.

We are catholic and I am on final stage of formation for permanent Deacon... Well, first priority Is my wife. Will see later what are God thinking about That.

Sorry for my de English.

Michel, thank you for updating us on your wife's condition. Thinking of you both as you travel down this very different Camino.

Take care of yourself too.

 

[Kanga]

Michael I am so sorry to hear of this dreadful accident. Spain has excellent medical services and I hope that your wife is receiving the very best. Holding you both in my prayers.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

It is hard to even imagine such an accident. We all hope for a full recovery.

 

[Bala]

Michael, so sorry to hear of this accident. Keeping you and your wife in my prayers. Please keep us posted.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I hope no news is good news. Have been thinking about Michel and his wife daily.

 

[Deacon Jason]

Thanks for tour good words. Situation is still critical but running normal from medical point of view.
It Is difficult to obtain police report here. Not like Canada. Be advised.

We are catholic and I am on final stage of formation for permanent Deacon... Well, first priority Is my wife. Will see later what are God thinking about That.

Sorry for my de English.

Michel,

May the Lord give you and your wife strength and courage, and may her recovery be quick. You and your wife will be in my prayers, both for your current situation and for your formation. Many of my classmates also experienced significant trials on the path to their ordination...may Jesus in His mercy lead you both through this one.

Grace+Peace

-Jason

 

[vgen5122]

I should have started my entry about how sorry I was about the person that was injured through their misfortune, and I am. I went on to recall an incident that happened to me while on the Camino, which could have ended in an injury. I went on to write laughing outloud (lol) because I saw some humor in my own situation. Again, If anyone took offense I truly am very sorry. No offense intended.

 

[C clearly]

I should have started my entry about how sorry I was about the person that was injured through their misfortune, and I am. I went on to recall an incident that happened to me while on the Camino, which could have ended in an injury. I went on to write laughing outloud (lol) because I saw some humor in my own situation. Again, If anyone took offense I truly am very sorry. No offense intended.

I felt similarly when I contributed to a tangent discussion on this thread, with a bit of humour. We all get into awkward situations at times. Not to worry!

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hope she is recovering well - but - What are the odds? Of all the things that could happen on Camino - to be squashed flat by a large hay bale? what are the odds??

Hi David - it puts a whole new meaning on "a roll in the hay"!! Hope you are well - Have you started the first aid work yet?? Saw Jenny at last nights Sydney Pilgrims meeting, she is getting excited about volunteering at Rabanal. Cheers

 

[Danie Penaar]

I am surprised that more people are not injured by bicycles passing from the rear. To us it was a problem when bicycles approached us from the rear without ringing bells or simply shouting a warning. At times Perigrenos ducked and dived left and right on narrow tracks with the bikes almost crashing into us.

 

[jirit]

Farming accidents are more common than many expect. Most involve tractors turning over and typically involve those over 60 and those under 16.

Accidents involving bales of hay are rare but have happened in the past and sadly have caused fatalities.
A typical bale of hay weights over 1,000 pounds. Being hit by a bale of hay is much like being hit by a small car

Micheal and his wife are most lucky that they survived but it is clear that his wife has suffered permanent and serious injuries.
Obviously a very tragic situation. In the blink of an eye, lives are altered.
I wish her a speedy recovery but needless to say, nothing will be the same as before.

 

[Saint Mike II]

I am surprised that more people are not injured by bicycles passing from the rear. To us it was a problem when bicycles approached us from the rear without ringing bells or simply shouting a warning. At times Perigrenos ducked and dived left and right on narrow tracks with the bikes almost crashing into us.

Hola Danie - being a cyclist I can fully understand your situation/view point. I always tried to slow down, well before I reached to walkers; then sounded the bell and called out - to indicate which side I was passing them on (I did get to know left and right in Spanish by the end of the Way). When I came across large groups I often found it easier to walk 20 or 50 metres rather than trying to get them all to one side. Maybe we need to educate our cyclist pilgrims to better understand the walkers??

My only problem was with solo walkers - ear phones pushed in and music so loud I could hear it. They then became upset that I had not called out. Sometimes you cannot win. Buen Camino.

 

[smj6]

@Michel Lévesque, je suis très désolé d'entendre parler de cet accident. Mes pensées et prières sont avec vous et votre femme.
Suzanne

 

[Michel Lévesque]

Hi everyones,

Thanks you for your prayers. My wife is in the fourth month of her readaptation in the phase 2 of a medical program. She will enter the phase 3 in end of november until approximately Easter time.

She is tetraplegic with medular lesions at C5 to C7 with blood effusion followed by surgery for a ROFI between C6-C7. Samething for dorsal verteber principaly D7 with surgery for ROFI between D4-D9, 2 Coastal fractures, complete and open dislocation of the right ankle and severe ankle injury at the left one. Fortunately, she was able to breath normally without assistance. She's quoting ASIA B on neurological scale.

It was good to return in Canada. We add confirmation of the really good job done by the Coruna Hospital surgeon.

It is really important to have good travel insurance. It cost 80 K $CAN only for transport by ambulance airplane... with a medical intensive care team to bring Maryse and me from La Coruna to Montreal.

Very complex situation about legal aspect of civil responsability. In Quebec province, we have SAAQ, RAMQ and travel insurance that can subrogated the result of the indemnity discerned by the Farmer insurance. So how to determine the priority between al the creditor and us is the question of the day.

However, to justify indemnity from SAAQ we must determine the public nature of the route where the ball hurt us. Someone know how to proceed to find that ? Here is an attachment of satellite map of the lieux.

Thanks to those who are able to understand the contexte here and willing to help me in that work.

Michel

 

[ivar]

Hi everyones,

Thanks you for your prayers. My wife is in the fourth month of her readaptation in the phase 2 of a medical program. She will enter the phase 3 in end of november until approximately Easter time.

She is tetraplegic with medular lesions at C5 to C7 with blood effusion followed by surgery for a ROFI between C6-C7. Samething for dorsal verteber principaly D7 with surgery for ROFI between D4-D9, 2 Coastal fractures, complete and open dislocation of the right ankle and severe ankle injury at the left one. Fortunately, she was able to breath normally without assistance. She's quoting ASIA B on neurological scale.

It was good to return in Canada. We add confirmation of the really good job done by the Coruna Hospital surgeon.

It is really important to have good travel insurance. It cost 80 K $CAN only for transport by ambulance airplane... with a medical intensive care team to bring Maryse and me from La Coruna to Montreal.

Very complex situation about legal aspect of civil responsability. In Quebec province, we have SAAQ, RAMQ and travel insurance that can subrogated the result of the indemnity discerned by the Farmer insurance. So how to determine the priority between al the creditor and us is the question of the day.

However, to justify indemnity from SAAQ we must determine the public nature of the route where the ball hurt us. Someone know how to proceed to find that ? Here is an attachment of satellite map of the lieux.

Thanks to those who are able to understand the contexte here and willing to help me in that work.

Michel

I wish you and your wife all the best. So sorry that this happened to you.

Just so I understand, what you need to know if who owns the land where this incident happened? Is that your question?

I don't know this village in particular, but in general in Galicia the roads is a public road owned by the municipality (even the smaller roads that goes thought these villages). In this case the Municipality of Tricastela, (http://www.concellotriacastela.es/) but the fields next to the road is most likely privately owned by the farms in this area.

What kind of documentation do you need? (It will be in spanish or Galician)

I will try to help you with this. My e-mail is: ivar@casaivar.com if you would like to continue this conversation on e-mail.

All the best,
Ivar

 

[William Garza]

Hi everyones,

Thanks you for your prayers. My wife is in the fourth month of her readaptation in the phase 2 of a medical program. She will enter the phase 3 in end of november until approximately Easter time.

She is tetraplegic with medular lesions at C5 to C7 with blood effusion followed by surgery for a ROFI between C6-C7. Samething for dorsal verteber principaly D7 with surgery for ROFI between D4-D9, 2 Coastal fractures, complete and open dislocation of the right ankle and severe ankle injury at the left one. Fortunately, she was able to breath normally without assistance. She's quoting ASIA B on neurological scale.

It was good to return in Canada. We add confirmation of the really good job done by the Coruna Hospital surgeon.

It is really important to have good travel insurance. It cost 80 K $CAN only for transport by ambulance airplane... with a medical intensive care team to bring Maryse and me from La Coruna to Montreal.

Very complex situation about legal aspect of civil responsability. In Quebec province, we have SAAQ, RAMQ and travel insurance that can subrogated the result of the indemnity discerned by the Farmer insurance. So how to determine the priority between al the creditor and us is the question of the day.

However, to justify indemnity from SAAQ we must determine the public nature of the route where the ball hurt us. Someone know how to proceed to find that ? Here is an attachment of satellite map of the lieux.

Thanks to those who are able to understand the contexte here and willing to help me in that work.

Michel

Wishing the best of outcomes for both of you.

You will be in my Prayers

 

[Anniesantiago]

I'm so sorry your wife is so badly hurt but happy to hear she is getting excellent medical care.
Best wishes and you are both in my prayers.

 

[VNwalking]

I am so sorry this happened to you both, Michel~I can't imagine what you must both be going through, through no fault of your own.
I hope you can easily get the support you need--of all kinds.
Heartfelt prayers for healing and a good resolution to what must be incredibly complex legal and insurance issues.
If Ivar can help, you're in good hands.

 

[Michel Lévesque]

Thanks,

Ivar, I email you with confidential info and photos... TAKE CARE one or two may be hurting, but they illustrate the small road perfectly.

Michel

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Michel,

J'ai beaucoup pensé à vous et à votre épouse, croyant au pire lorsque nous n'avions plus de nouvelles.

Malheureusement je ne saurais vous aider concernant les assurances mais suis heureuse qu'Ivar tente de le faire. Il est clair qu'avec la gravité des lessions de votre épouse les coûts pour ses soins seront très importants au fil des ans.

Je vous souhaite beaucoup de courage pour faire face aux conséquences de ce terrible accident.

 

[marilyn van graan]

I am so sorry to hear of your accident - I do hope your wife makes a complete recovery- these accidents can happen in an instant - all the best and my prayers are with you both

 

[Michel Lévesque]

Bonsoir Anemone,

Ivar m'a aidé. Il m'a montré comment vérifier les cadastres. Ce sera utile.

Merci.

Michel

 

[VNwalking]

Ivar m'a aidé. Il m'a montré comment vérifier les cadastres. Ce sera utile.

Fantastique, Michel. Ca c'est très bien...
Avec tous les prières por vous et votre femme...

 

[MCFearnley]

Bonne chance. Je prie pour toi et Maryse. Tiens nous au courant. J'espère que tout entrera en règle avec l'aide de Ivar.