Chandigarh: Autorickshaw driver Amit Kumar (32), one of the victims of the car race which caused a pile-up on the Zirakpur flyover on Friday afternoon, has suffered multiple fractures in the spine and, doctors say, he may not be able to get up from the bed again.
The family prays that the doctors’ fears are proved wrong, but they do not have the money for his treatment which may last at least six months.
One of the doctors at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Sector 32 said Amit had suffered three fractures in the spine and they were planning a surgery. Even after surgery, he might be paralysed for life from neck down.
Amit, who is admitted to the emergency ward, has no sensation in the body below the neck and his speech is incoherent.
“Since morning he has been groaning. We can’t understand what he is trying to say. I do not know what to do,” said Amit’s brother Amar who was attending on him on Sunday afternoon.
Amit’s wife Neetu said, “We had a baby three months back and my husband then spent all his savings on my surgery. We have no money. I had left my job on the doctor’s advice. Amit was the only working hand.’’
Neetu has left her baby daughter Diti with her sister while she takes care of her husband. Breaking down, Neetu said, “I was totally dependent on him. I do not know what to do now.”
Amit’s brother-in-law Anand Kumar said that Amit had been living on his daily earnings. “His parents died a few years back and they are two brothers and a sister. The families aren’t financially sound. All of us have shelled out some money to help them.”
Sachin Ahluwalia, in whose factory Neetu worked as a peon before she had her baby, paid for Amit’s initial tests and medication. Ahluwalia makes fire safety equipment.
“I spoke to some of my contacts and got Neetu a below poverty line (BPL) card. Some of the expenses are being taken care of by the BPL card,” added Ahluwalia.
Said Anand Kumar, “The doctors have done the tests and say that he needs surgery. We will get a date tomorrow.”
Amit was injured when the two youths lost control of the racing vehicles which crossed the divider and one of these, a Mitsubishi Pajero, hit his autorickshaw. Pajero driver Mankirat Singh, a school student, was flung out of the vehicle and fell more than 30 feet down the flyover, dying on the spot.
