Worried families await news on those travelling on bus

MAHAD (RAIGAD DISTRICT): Avinash Malap, 45, who was in the Jaigad-Mumbai bus, which was washed away after the Mahad bridge collapsed , was returning after dropping

MAHAD (RAIGAD DISTRICT): Avinash Malap, 45, who was in the Jaigad-Mumbai bus, which was washed away after the Mahad bridge collapsed , was returning after dropping his mother to their hometown in Khandala.

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“My brother boarded the bus around 5.30pm. When I called him at 9.30pm, he said he had reached Chiplun and would reach his home in Vile Parle by 2.30am. His number has been switched off since,” said Anil Malop, his younger brother. Malap worked with a private company in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, PB Shirke, a resident of Rabale in Navi Mumbai, was the conductor of RajapurBorivli ST bus, another bus that got washed away. He was to retire in three months.

Prashant Shirke, his son, said, “My father called my mother to tell he was boarding the bus at 9.45pm. We are yet to get any information on him.”

The Mahad tehsildar officials have started a temporary help centre for family members of the victim. They have also arranged for their food and stay. “Seven families have approached us. While six families said their kin were travelling in the buses, one family said nine people, including the driver, were travelling in a car,” said an officer from the tehsildar’s office.

Colaba resident Suresh Dewsamant, a retired navy official, is among those missing. “My father went to Ratnagiri five days ago for some work. My uncle was the last person he spoke to. We have no idea where he is,” said Prashant, his son.