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Hospital lobby converted into makeshift morgue

By Faisal Shariff at J J Hospital, Mumbai
August 25, 2003 16:13 IST
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The lobby of the J J Hospital in south Mumbai has been converted into a makeshift morgue.

Most of the victims of the first blast at Zaveri Bazar in Mumbai on Monday were rushed to the hospital  where hospital personnel struggled to get the situation under control. 

About 20 bodies were laid out on the bare floor of the makeshift morgue covered by sheets. The bodies are charred; in most cases, the clothes are in tatters.

There is blood everywhere -- around the bodies, on the floor, on the metal stretchers used to bring the bodies in.

The injured are being treated in Wards 17 and 18 on the hospital's third floor. Each of these wards have 20 beds. Official figures say 34 victims have been admitted to the hospital.

Shivaji Jadhav, who work at a tea stall at Zaveri Bazar, says he cannot hear properly. "There was a very loud blast and I was thrown to the ground. I lost consciousness. I only regained consciousness after I was brought to the hospital," he says.

Hyder Ali, who was also injured in the blast, is worried about his brother Tariq. "I was injured when I went to help my brother," he says.

Ali, who is from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh, runs a juice centre in Zaveri Bazar. His condition is not serious, but he is unable to walk.

"I can't find him (Tariq). He was with me and I got him out. But after that… Please can you help me find him?" he asks.

Jagannath Sharma visited Zaveri Bazar to buy some equipment for his pipe shop in Nashik. He has been bloodied by shrapnel. "I don't want anyone at home to know what has happened to me. I'll become okay in a day or two. Then I'll go home," he said stoically.

In the midst of all the chaos and grief: One more example of Mumbai's celebrated resilience and its citizens' ability to rally around in times of crisis.

A long line had formed outside J J Hospital as Mumbaikars line up to donate blood. Most potential donors are young people.

Volunteers have also arrived at the hospital's third floor, bringing in medicines and other supplies, talking down address and calling the families of the injured, doing whatever they can to help.

 

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Faisal Shariff at J J Hospital, Mumbai