ABU DHABI // A Canadian teacher working at a private school in the capital was one of the 34 people injured in Sunday’s attack in the southern Jordanian city of Karak that left 10 people dead.
Christopher Vatcher, a teacher at Abu Dhabi Grammar School (Canada), was shot in the shoulder but is expected to make a full recovery, a family friend told CBC News.
Mr Vatcher’s mother, Linda Vatcher, 62, was among 10 people who were killed in the attack in Karak, a tourist destination known for one of the biggest Crusader-era castles in the region.
Mrs Vatcher, a retired teacher from eastern Canada, had travelled to Jordan to spend the holidays with her son, according to CBC. Schools across the UAE are closed for winter and classes do not resume until January 8.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of all the victims, including a Canadian citizen killed and her son wounded in the heinous attack in Jordan,” said Diana Khaddaj, spokeswoman for Global Affairs Canada.
“Consular officials are providing consular assistance to the Canadian citizen injured and to the family during this difficult time. To protect the privacy and personal information of the individuals concerned, further details on this case will not be released. The government of Canada stands ready to assist Jordan in bringing the perpetrators of this attack to justice.”
Mr Vatcher has been working as a Grade 9 science and social studies teacher in Abu Dhabi since August last year, according to his LinkedIn page. He previously worked as a teacher in Qatar and Vietnam.
Abu Dhabi Grammar School principal Annmarie MacInnes said: “Out of respect for our colleague there is no comment from the school at this time. We ask that you please respect their wishes and privacy.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his condolences Sunday, calling the attack a “heinous act of violence.”
“I was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of a Canadian and the injury of her son in a terrorist attack that took place in Karak, Jordan, that has left several dead and many more injured,” said Mr Trudeau.
“On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of all the victims of this heinous act of violence. We pray that those injured will have a complete and speedy recovery.
“Our embassy personnel in Amman are providing consular assistance and are working with Jordanian officials in this tragic situation.
“This is a sad reminder of the very real threat of terrorism around the globe and of the need to continue working closely with trusted allies such as Jordan to help prevent horrific attacks of this nature. The people of Canada stand in solidarity with all Jordanians during this difficult time.”
rpennington@thenational.ae
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