Bedridden Cab Driver's Life Shattered After Minor's SUV Crash in Dwarka
In a tragic incident that highlights the perils of reckless driving, fifty-three-year-old Ajit Singh has been confined to his bed since February 3rd. His life was upended when an SUV, operated by a minor, collided with a motorcycle before crashing into Singh's cab in the Dwarka area of New Delhi.
Severe Injuries and Financial Despair
While the young motorcyclist, Sahil Dhaneshra (23), lost his life instantly in the collision, Singh suffered devastating head and rib injuries. "Even breathing causes me pain," he revealed from his home in Dwarka's Ambrahi village, describing his agonizing condition.
Singh, who had been driving a cab for over two decades to support his family on a monthly income of Rs 25,000, now faces an uncertain future. With him out of work, the family's earnings have drastically reduced to just Rs 10,000 per month. This meager sum is provided by his 21-year-old son, Shivam, who works at a private firm in Gurgaon.
Son's Sacrifices and Family Burden
Shivam, a third-year college student, now leaves home at dawn and returns past 11 PM, sacrificing precious study time for his final exams to keep the household afloat. "The burden of the entire household now rests on my son's shoulders," Singh lamented. "I was the main earning member. My wife doesn't have a job, and my two daughters are married."
Doctors have advised Singh to remain on bed rest for the next six months, requiring his wife's assistance for even basic needs. He expressed hope for monetary compensation to sustain his family during this critical period.
Haunting Memories and Bystander Response
Singh recalled witnessing numerous road accidents since he began driving in 2004, often stopping to pray for victims. "Gradually, I started wondering whether I should quit driving as the roads were becoming more dangerous by the day," he said. "But who knew I would be the one fighting for my life?"
On the fateful day, as Singh's life flashed before his eyes, bystanders were busy recording videos of the crash scene. Fortunately, a group of college students intervened, pulling him from the wreckage and rushing him to the hospital in an e-rickshaw. "If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have survived," Singh acknowledged, noting that his cab was completely crushed and he was immobilized.
The students attempted to flag down passing cars for help, but drivers merely slowed down, glanced, and sped away. Ultimately, they secured an e-rickshaw and even retrieved Singh's damaged phone from the cab.
Call for Justice and Reflection
Touching on Sahil's death, Singh expressed deep empathy: "As a parent, I cannot imagine what his mother must be going through. I hope she gets justice." His story underscores the devastating human and financial toll of road accidents, particularly those involving underage drivers.
This incident raises urgent questions about road safety enforcement and support systems for victims in Delhi. Singh's plight serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a stable life can unravel due to a single moment of negligence on increasingly perilous roads.
