Survivors of a deadly school bus crash in Tanzania more than five years ago have returned to Siouxland. Siouxland Public Media’s Sheila Brummer covered the story back then and has this update.
Sadhia, Doreen, and Wilson were rescued by members of Siouxland Tanzania Education Medical Ministries or STEMM, who witnessed the aftermath of the crash that killed 35. Kevin Negaard was one of the group who jumped into action to save the children called the “Miracle Kids.”
"It's so many people saying "yes" to the opportunity that happened at the time."
The three graduated from high school in Africa last year and arrived in Sioux City to attend Western Iowa Tech Community College in August.
They talked to reporters during a news conference at MercyOne Siouxland, where they received treatment for their extensive injuries, which included more than 20 broken bones.
Doreen was paralyzed when first arriving in Sioux City. She is studying audio and video production with dreams of becoming a film director. Wilson wants to be an aeronautical engineer, and Sadhia, a pilot. They plan to spend two years at Western Iowa Tech and eventually return to Tanzania to start their careers.
Others important to the medical care of the Tanzanians also attended the news conference with the Tanzanian teen. This group also included Dr. Larry Volz and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steven Meyer who started the STEMM organization. Here’s a portion of Dr. Meyer’s comments to the media.
