Mumbai: Trailer mishap survivor still critical, loses left leg

Siddhesh Chavhan was wedged between the divider below Bhakti Park monorail station and the trailer truck

The lone survivor of Wednesday's trailer truck accident below Bhakti Park monorail station is still battling for life. His left leg had to be amputated and doctors of Sion Hospital were trying to save the right one till this morning.

Siddhesh Chavhan, and friends Vinayak Dhage, Siddhesh Mase, were chatting on the divider below the station when a speeding trailer truck crashed into them. While Dhage and Mase died, Chavhan sustained grievous injuries. He was wedged between the divider and the truck.

"Half his body was stuck; his left leg was crushed. The doctors had no go but to amputate it," said Manish Salvi, a friend. "He was conscious for four hours after the accident, but lost unconsciousness thereafter."

Salvi said the doctors aren't too hopeful of saving the right leg. "They said blood vessels in both legs were damaged, which was causing internal bleeding."

Friends and neighbours are paying for Chavhan's treatment. "He is battling for life now. If the doctors recommend shifting him to a better facility, we will do so," said Ramesh Khopatkar, a neighbour.

Chavhan, 22, a resident of Antop Hill, quit school after Std X to support his family, comprising his mother and a younger brother. His father died 10 years, following which all financial responsibilities fell solely on his mother.

To help her out, he initially did odd jobs and later secured a job on a contract basis with Godrej Group. "He also performed in local orchestra bands to make some extra cash," said Khopatkar.