A Harrowing Encounter: Reflecting on Witnessing a Fatal Accident

Trigger Warning: Discussion of a Traumatic Event

Today, I encountered an incident that will be etched in my memory for a long time. Just a few minutes into leaving my house, I witnessed a devastating accident unfold right in front of me. A large tanker collided with a young man riding a bike, and tragically, the tanker ran over him, resulting in his death. I found myself the sole witness to this tragic event, standing merely two meters away from the scene.

Despite the overwhelming shock and emotional turmoil, I managed to provide a statement to the police upon their arrival. Now, hours have passed, and while the initial shock lingers, I find myself grappling more with a deep sadness for the victim and his family, who are undoubtedly receiving the worst news imaginable. This incident has starkly reminded me of life’s unpredictable nature and how accidents like these, though rare, are an unfortunate reality.

Surprisingly, I’ve managed to continue with my day in a relatively normal manner. Although I wouldn’t categorize myself as someone prone to intense emotional reactions, I am puzzled by my ability to return to routine activities so soon after witnessing such a traumatic event. A friend mentioned that my calm might be due to an adrenaline response and suggested that I should seek counseling or medical guidance. They believe this experience could have long-term effects, even if I feel alright now. Given the current strain on mental health services, especially within the NHS, I’m hesitant to use resources that might be needed by others who are in more dire need.

I would sincerely appreciate insights from anyone who has navigated similar experiences. Your advice on whether it would be beneficial to speak with a counselor sooner rather than later would be incredibly helpful.

For context, I am a 26-year-old woman.

Update: I am genuinely touched and grateful for the outpouring of support and kind words from the community. Your experiences and advice have been comforting and reassuring during this challenging time. This morning, I went to the crash site to leave flowers and took a moment to grieve. I also decided to enroll in local talking therapy sessions and have scheduled an appointment with my GP. Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts or reached out to me privately—it’s heartening to know that kindness and empathy are very much alive. ❤️