My whole family is dead: Lone survivor

DOMBIVLI: “It’s a miracle that I am alive,” said Mangesh Mankar, the lone survivor of the explosion at Probace Enterprises at Dombivli MIDC, on Saturday. The 28-yearold,

DOMBIVLI: “It’s a miracle that I am alive,” said Mangesh Mankar, the lone survivor of the explosion at Probace Enterprises at Dombivli MIDC, on Saturday. The 28-yearold, who worked as a helper in the chemical factory, had a narrow escape and is recuperating in a private hospital. “There were other people in the factory when the blast took place. I don’t know how I managed to survive,” Mankar said from Shivam Hospital. Doctors said he is now stable.

HT Image

The blast killed 11 people, including the owners’ kin and workers, and over 150 have been injured. “The owner’s sons used to visit the factory and manage all the work and his daughter in law would take care of the accounts. We were like a family. My whole family died, leaving me alone,” said Mankar, who joined the factory eight months ago.

The Dombivli resident suffered severe injuries on both his arms. “I do not recall anything. I was doing my work and suddenly there was a blast. I was thrown away,” said Mankar. Hospital authorities said he would have lost his both hands if he was not brought on time.