MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falkland Islands Government Press Release: Visiting footballer Ardiles in a road taffic collision

Former Argentina midfielder “Ossie” Ardiles

Ex-Tottenham Hotspurs player, Ossie Ardiles, was involved in a single vehicle road traffic collision (RTC) on the Darwin to Stanley road shortly after 1900hours on Monday 20th January 2014. Mr Ardiles is here filming part of a documentary on his football career for ESPN, alongside his friend and fellow Spurs star, Ricardo ‘Ricky’ Villa. Ossie’s son Federico Ardiles also joins the group.

 Mr Ardiles and party had spent the day around Darwin visiting Argentine and British memorials in the area and were travelling to Stanley from Darwin when their vehicle left the road, approximately fourteen miles from Darwin settlement. Both civilian and military emergency services attended the incident, and a Sea King helicopter was also tasked to the scene.

This co-operation between local services and the British Forces ensured all individuals involved in the RTC were safely transported to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where their injuries could be assessed. Three members of the party remained in hospital overnight for further observations whilst four individuals were released following treatment for minor injuries. The team’s soundman, Carlos Marcellan, has sustained a neck injury which will further investigation, but is said to be doing well. Ricky Villa was discharged from hospital on Monday evening with no serious injuries.

Ossie’s son, Federico Ardiles, commented on the incident, “We are extremely grateful to the military police at MPA, the emergency services from Stanley, and the helicopter team who transferred us safely and professionally to hospital in Stanley. Moreover to everyone at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for their friendly and genuinely excellent care and attention given to us.”

Ossie Ardiles sustained severe lacerations to the head, but is progressing well. In thanking the teams and services involved, Ossie said, “Thank you to everyone in the Islands who has helped, without exception. From the moment of the accident, the attention and care we have received from the police, the RAF helicopter team, the doctors and nurses here has been world class. Thank you to everyone for your concern, I am fine and doing well.”

Director of Health and Social Services, Dr Hilary Rowland commended the efforts of the medical team at KEMH for their work with Mr Ardiles and his colleagues: “This was truly a team effort. A range of disciplines and services have come together to care for and treat those involved in the accident. I’m very proud of how the team responded to this event in a calm and professional manner. This highlights the importance of the training we participate in to prepare for such incidents, although we always hope never to have to use such training.”

The Falkland Islands Government wish Mr Ardiles and all of his colleagues a speedy recovery.