Mumbai: A romantic evening turned into a night of horror for two young couples at Bandra Reclamation on Tuesday night.
An unidentified driver in a speeding SUV rammed headlong into the side barriers leading up to the Bandra Worli Sea Link, knocking the couples off the railing down to the incline leading to the sea.
The driver knocked down three bikes, damaged three cars and injured at least five people around 10.45 pm on the lane leading to the Bandra. The spot is a favourite with couples, and commuters often park their vehicles for a breath of fresh air.
"It just happened," said college student Shruti Joshi (21), who along with her friend Nitesh Mandal (22), were rushed to Lilavati Hospital. While Joshi has only sustained slight injuries to her hand and hip, Mandal suffered a fracture in his left leg.
Mandal, an Andheri resident, said, "Who knows how far we might have fallen if not for the people who pulled us out in time and rushed us to the hospital. The car sped away before we even came to our senses, and fortunately one man who was passing by was helpful enough to even take us to the hospital. I'm just glad that my friend and I are not seriously hurt."
The other couple was taken to a hospital in Chembur, while another injured boy Zahid Shaikh (22) was taken to Bhabha Hospital. "He was thrown a few feet in the air when the Innova slammed into them and the Indica and Esteem that were parked there," said Shaikh's friend who refused to disclose his name. "He has got injuries to his head, but he will be fine now," said the friend.
Meanwhile, cops rued that the lack of lights on the road leading to the link made the situation dangerous for people who chose to spend time at the Reclamation. "We gave in a complaint two days ago, but this area is still very dark," said one traffic officer at the accident spot.
"Couples gather here but it's hard to tell that they're even there. Then when incidents like these happen, it then comes on us about why there isn't better surveillance here. How can we keep a watch when there's no light in the first place?"
The Bandra police have registered a case based on details furbished by victims and eyewitnesses but were yet to trace the license number of the accused's car. "Investigations are currently underway," said station officer Vishnu Kesarkar.