A 12-year-old girl from north Wales is facing a six-month recovery period following a severe bus accident during a family holiday in Turkey. The incident occurred when the vehicle flipped over while attempting to overtake another car near Alanya, leaving the girl with serious injuries including a fractured sacrum and pelvis. The accident took place on 22 July, seven days into the family’s 10-day trip. The family, comprising Emma Williams, her partner Len, and their two daughters, Greta and Eiry-ana, were staying at the Eftalia Ocean Hotel in Alanya. On the day of the accident, they had visited the Green Canyon earlier in the day and were en route to a waterfall and zoo when the bus encountered problems. According to Williams, the driver lost control while overtaking another vehicle, causing the bus to go downhill and flip multiple times. The vehicle had glassless windows, allowing parts of the interior to become exposed during the rollover. Greta was partially inside the bus when it fell onto its side, with half of the vehicle landing on her pelvis and hips. Her father, Len, managed to reach through one of the windows to support her, while others present attempted to help free her by flipping the bus manually. Despite warnings against such actions, the group acted on instinct to rescue the young girl. Eiry-ana, the younger sister, was terrified, believing her sibling was dead and screaming in panic. Emergency services arrived quickly, and Greta was freed within five minutes of the accident. She was then transported to Ozel Manavgat Eslem Hastanesi hospital along with the driver. Medical examinations included a CT scan and X-ray, revealing the extent of her injuries. Greta remained on a wooden board for 24 hours without movement, and her clothing had to be removed to assess her condition fully. Following eight days in the Turkish hospital, Greta was evacuated back to the United Kingdom via air ambulance. This evacuation was covered under the family’s £106 travel insurance policy, which the insurer stated had covered the €50,000 cost of the flight. Jet2, the company that sold the package holiday, waived the costs associated with changing the return flights for Len and Eiry-ana. Upon arrival in the UK, Greta was admitted to The Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran for further treatment, including physiotherapy. A medical assessment scheduled for 2 September will determine whether she can return to school. Currently, she is under strict bed rest and is unable to engage in physical activity, which has been difficult for both her and her family. Williams emphasized the importance of travel insurance, urging others not to skimp on coverage despite the additional cost. “It’s worth paying that little bit extra,” she said, adding that the policy provided crucial financial relief during a traumatic time. The family had planned the trip as their first overseas holiday and had hoped to create lasting memories, but the accident has left deep emotional scars. The incident has raised questions about the safety standards of the tour operator, Tony Montana Excursions, which organized the excursion. The BBC has sought comments from the company, but as of yet, there have been no official statements. The family described the moment of the accident as horrifying and has expressed gratitude for the support received from medical professionals and the emergency responders. As Greta continues her recovery, the family is focusing on maintaining a sense of normalcy amid the ongoing challenges. Williams noted that the trauma of the accident, combined with the unfamiliar environment of a foreign country, has heightened the children’s anxieties. Efforts are being made to ensure that Greta feels secure and supported throughout her healing process.
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