Mumbai:
The Maruti Esteem you saw on TV, left damaged by the blast at Dadar yesterday evening, wasn't carrying the bomb, contrary to speculation. Bearing the number MH43A 9384, it was on its way to drop its passengers home: a mason, a painter, and the car's owner and driver, Deepak Patel (37).
Patel, among the fortunate ones who survived, would remember this fateful day for the rest of his life.
His car was right at the explosion site in Dadar (East). An interior designer, Patel managed to escape unhurt after the explosion.
However, his Esteem was severely damaged. A resident of Mangal towers, Vashi (Sector 17), Patel was at the Shivaji Park police station after the blast. His family wife, 13-year-old son and mother are in a state of shock. They were hesitant to speak of the incident.
His wife, who was close to tears, informed this reporter that Patel had called her from Shivaji Park police station to inform her that he was fine. Siddharth Khimasia, Patel's neighbour, said, "I have known him for the past 16 years and he is somebody who is full of life. Whatever happened is quite unfortunate."
Deepak's brother-in-law, Manoj Patel, was at Shivaji Park police station. He said, "Deepak, along with a mason and painter, had been to Prabhadevi for business-related work. After that, he went to drop the other two.
On his way, the blast occurred. The impact shattered the car's glasses. All three suspect they have hearing problems now. After the incident they went to the police station. At 11.30 pm, they left for their homes."