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EDITORIAL: Time to heal

Witnesses to Harrison crash will need time to heal

There is no question that the crash at Harrison Hot Springs on Sunday afternoon was a traumatic event to witness.

The sight of three people, including a child, being run down by a vehicle is one that will likely live on in the minds of the many witnesses forever. Just as the victims will need time to recover, so will those who saw the crash unfold before their eyes.

By Sunday night, there were stories being shared with friends and strangers — in the streets, in restaurants, on the beach and even online. Some said they were left feeling helpless, and others were visibly upset and crying.

There were many who chose not to get involved, deciding quite rightly that a crowd around an accident scene helps nobody, and that they did not wish to witness whatever horrors were awaiting.

There are also reports of witnesses who became hostile. Some were angry with photographers trying to take capture the news as it happened, and others were furious with the driver of the SUV. That man was arrested on scene, and most who were on scene have admitted there was something impairing him.

But this is Canada, after all, and we have a justice system that needs to slowly churn its wheels. So only time will tell what will come of this horrible scene. This newspaper will be following this story as the accused faces his charge of impaired driving.

In the meantime, those who witnessed the accident could have a long road ahead as they try to forget what they saw.

Hopefully, though, not before they are asked to recall the event to help Madame Justice close the case.