Several walkers on the Camino de Santiago helped an 84-year-old woman after two young men snatched her bag
He Camino de Santiago once again demonstrated that it is much more than a pilgrimage route. This time, the protagonists were not those who reached the goal, but several pilgrims who did not hesitate to stop their path to help a woman of 84 years, victim of a violent robbery in the Lugo municipality of Sarria.
The old woman fell to the ground after two young men snatched her purse using the well-known "pull method", a type of robbery that consists of violently tearing off the victim's purse to quickly flee. The strong impact caused the woman to suffer various injuries and require medical attention.
The pilgrims were the first to help her
The first to react were several pilgrims who were walking in the area.
When they saw the woman lying on the ground, they immediately came to help her, calm her down and notify the emergency services while other neighbors also approached to collaborate.
Thanks to their quick action, the victim received attention in the first minutes after the assault until the arrival of the paramedics.
A gesture that once again reflects one of the values that best define the Camino de Santiago: solidarity between people who, even if they don't know each other, are always willing to lend a hand when someone needs it.
A robbery by the pull method
According to published information, two young men surprised the woman when she was walking on a public road and violently snatched her purse.
The force of the pull caused the octogenarian to lose her balance and fall to the ground, suffering various bruises.
After taking the bag, the perpetrators fled the scene before they could be detained by witnesses.
Security forces began an investigation to try to identify those responsible for the theft.
Sarria, one of the towns with the most pilgrims
The event occurred in Sarria, considered the town from which thousands of pilgrims depart who wish to travel the last hundred kilometers of the French Way to get the Compostela.
Every summer, the streets of the town of Lugo receive thousands of walkers from all over the world, which makes any incident especially visible.
Fortunately, these types of events are rare and coexistence between neighbors and pilgrims usually develops absolutely normally.
Solidarity, one of the great signs of the Camino
Although the theft has caused concern among neighbors, many have wanted to highlight the exemplary attitude of the pilgrims who did not hesitate to stop their march to help the woman.
On the Camino de Santiago, gestures of selfless help are common: sharing water, helping someone who suffers an injury, accompanying a sick pilgrim or providing support in emergency situations.
On this occasion, that solidarity also extended to a neighbor from Sarria who was going through one of the most difficult moments of her life.
A reminder to exercise caution
The authorities remind you of the importance of maintaining certain security measures, especially in busy areas during the summer.
It is recommended to carry bags and backpacks securely fastened, avoid displaying valuables and remain attentive in places with a large influx of people.
The Camino de Santiago continues to be one of the safest itineraries in Europe, but prudence is still a good travel companion.
While the investigation continues to locate the perpetrators of the robbery, the quick reaction of the pilgrims has left an image that many residents of Sarria will not forget: that of some walkers who, rather than continue advancing towards Santiago, decided to stop to help those who needed it most.
