A Canadian peace activist stationed in southern Iraq was killed Monday in a car crash apparently caused by a blown tire. Two American members of the Chicago-based Christian Peacemaker Teams were hospitalized for injuries including a broken nose and broken ribs, according to a statement issued by the group's Toronto office. The activists were scheduled to leave Iraq on Thursday after a mission that began in October. Killed was George Weber, 73, of Chesley, Ontario, while the injured were Michele Naar-Obed of Duluth, Minn., and Charlie Jackson of San Antonio, Texas, the statement said. Naar was later released from hospital.
Cheeze. They didn't even manage to get blown up...
Jim Loney, another Canadian activist who was in the car but not seriously injured, said the rear left tire "sort of exploded" as the car was on a six-lane highway in clear conditions north of Basrah. The vehicle rolled at least once and came to rest on its roof, Loney said. Weber was sitting in the back seat and was thrown from the vehicle, dying instantly, he said. Doug Pritchard, Canada coordinator for the group, said the cause of the crash was being investigated.
Important safety tip: When you're on peace missions, wear your seat belt. |