Dutch boy sole crash survivor   

By The Holland Times Thursday 13 May 2010, 11:05

Nine-year-old Ruben from Tilburg is the only survivor of the Wednesday airline crash in Libyan capital, Tripoli. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the boy's condition as stable Thursday morning. 

"As soon as his health permits, he will be brought to the Netherlands," a ministry spokesperson told reporters.

According to doctors, Ruben is conscious and approachable. He underwent two operations for fractures in his feet.

Prior to the operation, Ruben could not speak. Only after recoperating in the intensive care unit did he finally speak. "After the operation he could talk and say his name," said Sadiq surgeon, Bend Allah.

Bend Allah had not asked the boy about his family. "We have not spoken much because he is recovering from surgery," he said. "We are satisfied with a few words."

Bend Allah said the boy had twice called out "Holland," and that after surgery they first identified his name as, "Robin or something."

The boy's aunt and uncle arrived in Tripoli Thursday. "As soon as possible they will go to the hospital to visit Ruben," said the spokesperson.

The Libyan Afriqiyah Airways plane crashed short of the runway at Tripoli airport on Wednesday, killing more than 100 people. The aircraft was en route to London's Gatwick airport.