Crisis center established by Icelandic Red Cross following fatal accident at Breiðamerkurjökull

Witnessing fatal accidents can have both physical and psychological effects on individuals. This was notably the case for people present during a recent incident at Breiðamerkurjökull, where a massive ice wall collapsed, resulting in one man’s death and injuries to a woman.

In response, the Icelandic Red Cross established a crisis center on Sunday evening to assist visitors at Breiðamerkurjökull, not only providing support to the affected individuals but also to the guides leading the group and first responders present at the scene.

A psychologist from the Red Cross’s trauma team emphasized the importance of reaching out to international tourists to guide them through the aftermath before they return home. According to Elfa Dögg S. Leifsdóttir, the team leader and psychologist, it is crucial to provide immediate psychological support to those who experience life-threatening situations, as it can lead to significant distress both physically and mentally.

Elfa noted that the individuals involved exhibited a range of reactions, from numbness to chaos and anxiety in the wake of the accident. As they begin to navigate their next steps, many foreign tourists express a desire to return home quickly; however, the Red Cross encourages them to connect with resources and understand what to expect in their recovery once they arrive back in their home countries.

This incident underscores the need for mental health support following traumatic events, especially for those unaccustomed to such emergencies.