In what was supposed to be a joyous family trip to Europe, Singaporean Sofea Musa and her family found themselves in the midst of a nightmare in Prague. The picturesque surroundings of Charles University turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy when a 24-year-old student went on a shooting spree on December 21, leaving 14 people dead and 25, including Sofea’s husband, injured, according to The Straits Times.
A Fateful Afternoon in Prague
Sofea’s husband, Mr. Peter Vendel, a 47-year-old Singapore permanent resident from the Netherlands, was enjoying the sights with his family when tragedy struck. As they strolled along Charles Bridge towards Old Town Square, the peaceful ambiance was shattered by the sound of sirens, signaling the unfolding of a horrifying incident.
Panicked bystanders started running in the opposite direction, and Sofea, along with her husband and two children, joined the desperate attempt to seek safety. The family ran for about 500 meters before stopping, thinking they were out of harm’s way. Unfortunately, it was at this moment that Mr. Vendel was struck by a bullet, causing him significant injuries.
A Swift Response Amid Chaos
Quick-thinking bystanders came to the aid of the family, pulling Mr. Vendel out of harm’s way before an ambulance rushed him to the hospital. Left alone with her two children, Sofea described the traumatic experience of not knowing if the shooter was still a threat. The situation was chaotic, and everyone around was seeking cover.
The Aftermath and Ongoing Recovery
As of December 30, Mr. Vendel has undergone two surgeries to address the injuries sustained during the shooting. The bullet, having pierced his thigh and passed through the bone, ended up embedded in his rib. The subsequent surgeries aimed to remove the bullet and shrapnel, along with a portion of his pelvis. The final procedure involves the placement of an implant, yet to be scheduled.
Sofea’s daughter has since returned to Singapore, accompanied by her former husband, but her five-year-old son remains by her side, displaying signs of trauma. The young boy associates broken glass with the shooting and finds solace in ice cream, a small comfort amidst the ongoing turmoil.
Uncertain Future and Support from Loved Ones
The family faces an uncertain future as doctors in Prague recommend Mr. Vendel be airlifted to the Netherlands for the final surgical procedure. Singapore is deemed impractical due to the distance and Mr. Vendel’s medical condition. As they navigate this challenging situation, Sofea is grateful for the support of her sister-in-law and mother-in-law, who have traveled from the Netherlands to be with her.
Despite the physical distance, friends and family from around the world have reached out, offering their support and prayers. The couple, known for their home-based business “Manis En Zo,” specializing in Dutch snacks and desserts in Singapore, shared the ordeal on social media, apologizing for their inability to fulfill orders due to Mr. Vendel’s injuries.
Awaiting Normalcy
As Sofea waits for her husband’s recovery and contemplates the logistics of an uncertain future, her primary hope is for her family’s life to return to normalcy. The unexpected tragedy in Prague has left a lasting impact on the family, emphasizing the resilience required to overcome such traumatic experiences.