On 11th July 2006, 209 train commuters lost there life in a serial train bomb blast travelling in first class compartment.
One person survived to narrate his ordeal. He was a miraculous survivor in the Virar train where the blast took place near Mira Road. His name is William Joseph from Vasai. He was few metres away from the explosion.
William Joseph a resident of Vasai was on his way home on the evening of 11th July 2006. He took the crowded train from Andheri around 5 pm and stood in the passage.
Below is some of the transcript of his video interview:
I boarded Andheri train around 05.15 pm. I managed to stand in a passage holding the bar above. It was the time of football world cup and most of the groups were discussing football. As usual the atmosphere was good and groups enjoying. As train reached between Dahisar and Mira road the huge bomb blast took place.
There was a huge explosion but for me there was a noise like a balloon bursting. This was because, I was not able to take that loud noise due to rupture of my ear drum. I bowed down due to the impact. Soon when I saw up, I could see the sky since roof was blown away. I saw to my left and right there were no windows. When I looked at my legs, all dead bodies on my feet. I was trying to remove my legs out of the dead bodies but I couldn’t. So I let go my shoes.
Then I saw a gentlemen on the seat, he was raising his hand and asking for help. Unfortunately I couldn’t do much since I myself was trapped. I realize many senior citizen didn’t survived. There were cries of help.
As train stopped, there were people from nearby areas gathered on the tracks looking to help but they feared if another blast could take place. So they waited out. But you can’t stop a Mumbaikar for too long. Some of them helped me and took me out.
There was one person called Tushar. He was a angel and took me to the hospital. By profession he was teacher staying at Palghar. He somehow managed to find my wife’s number. He took care of me and later vanished. I was unable to trace him and appeal him that today wherever he is do contact me.
In hospital there was chaos. I had 4-5 stitches in my head. My father in law came to hospital since he was staying at Bhayander.
It was a grace of God that I only had a hand injury and some stitches on my head. One day after a month I was scratching my head and suddenly found a metal. It was some metal embedded in head due to the bomb blast.
My message to terrorist is that they should stop planting all these bombs. It is not the right way to showcase your cause. They can try other peaceful ways…..
Mumbai has shown again and again that people come out and help. I really thank people who come out and helped.
For 45 days I didn’t travelled. Later I feared as I travelled in train due to trauma.
I really thank Railways for providing help and compensation of Rs 50000.
Read details about Mumbai Serial Train Blast 2006
Watch the complete interview for his dreadful experience:
