Ludhiana, December 14
Ashok Kumar, an ex-serviceman looked up at the mobile phone smilingly when it rang. It was his son’s mobile phone number.
But he got the severest shock of his life when some stranger informed him that his son was badly injured in a collision between two trains near Mukerian.
He rushed there to find 28-year-old Naresh, who had become the proud father of a second son just three months ago, oscillating between life and death.
He sat by his side in the ambulance all the way to DMC hospital here. His son, whose one leg was missing, appeared to be in deep slumber. Despite the profuse bleeding the aged father was hopeful that some miracle would happen and his son would speak to him again.
But that was not to be Naresh was declared brought dead. The ex-serviceman who had kept composure in many adversities, broke down.
Apart from Naresh, a seriously injured youth Rohit, whose address was unknown, was battling for life in the DMC hospital. The doctors were keeping their fingers crossed about his health and were trying their best to save his life.
So far only these two have been brought here while more injured are expected to arrive. Sources said only very serious persons would be referred here while others were under treatment in hospitals at Jalandhar.
Earlier in the day, the administration had remained on its toes anticipating the arrival of the injured. Deputy Commissioner Anurag Verma had directed SDM, M.S. Jaggi and SDM Prem Chand to remain at DMC and CMC hospital to supervise the arrangements.
