Dutch boy survived Tripoli air crash recovers well: report

English.news.cn   2011-05-11

THE HAGUE, May 10 (Xinhua) -- One year after the deadly air crash in the Libyan capital Tripoli, Ruben Van Assouw, the Dutch boy and only survivor of the tragedy, recovered well and managed to start a new life, Dutch news agency ANP reported on Tuesday.

Ruben's life changed dramatically on May 12, 2010, a fateful day when the deadly air crash took the lives of his parents and brother, among the 103 victims.

After one month in hospital last year, the 10-year-old boy moved to live with his uncle and aunt and their three children.

"It felt like an obvious, natural thing to do (to join my family)," said Ruben's aunt, who only gave her name as Ingrid.

Ingrid recalled when Ruben was first brought back from Tripoli. "His two legs were pulverized, and he looked more dead than alive," She said, adding that it was a big contrast to the lively face he has today.

The family's three children -- a boy and two girls -- felt happy to have Ruben living with them, Ingrid said.

"We gave them plenty of space. The four of them have reached an equilibrium that needs no further support," Ingrid said.

"They won't take Ruben to the commemoration of the crash. They don't want him to be photographed. We want to protect him and to give him a safe childhood," Ingrid said.

Editor: Mu Xuequan