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‘Crushing sound & a car came flying at us’

Rahamatullah took the bodies to a Topsia mortuary

Rahamatullah. (Sanat Kr Sinha)

Subhankar Chowdhury
Calcutta | Published 17.08.19, 10:02 PM

Kazi Mohammad Shafi Rahamatullah, 36, was with his cousin and a friend when the Mercedes came flying at them. They were killed. He survived and recounted to Metro the moments that continue to haunt him

We were waiting for a yellow taxi to take us to our hotel on Marquis Street. The rain had just stopped and we were looking at every car expectantly. Then there was a crushing sound very close and a car came flying at us.

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Mainul bhai and Tania were standing in front of the traffic kiosk when the car struck them with great force. I was flung on to the footpath.

I stood up, hoping that the two would also get back on their feet. But they did not. They were in a pool of blood with their heads smashed.

Three of us had come from Bangladesh during the Id vacation. But I have to head home with two bodies.

Police came soon. They took me to the SSKM Hospital. I had suffered bruises on my forehead and limbs.

We had planned to go shopping on Saturday before going back on Sunday. Mainul was planning to buy stuff for his five-year old son, wife and other family members.

Tania was excited about shopping for her sister and parents. I just don’t know how I would face the families.

On Friday night, we left for dinner late from our hotel because of the rain. After we dined at a place near Theatre Road, we walked up to the kiosk. Mainul bhai was trying to book an app cab, but couldn’t get through. We were then waiting for a yellow taxi.

We had barely stood there for 30 seconds when tragedy struck. Now I am here to collect their bodies from the hospital.

(Rahamatullah took the bodies to a Topsia mortuary. The hearse is expected to leave for Petrapole on Sunday.)

Kolkata Road Accidents Mercedes
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