23 survivors of blast cling to life at Lok Nayak Hospital; families hold on to hope

Three persons injured in the November 10 car explosion near Red Fort remain in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Lok Nayak Hospital, popularly known as LNJP, hospital sources said on Thursday.

Clinging to hope and waiting for the recovery of their loved ones, anxious family members have been camping at the hospital.

Currently, 23 survivors are undergoing treatment; most of them suffering from open wounds and burns caused by shrapnel, hospital sources said.

“Due to the impact of the high-intensity blast, many patients have ruptured eardrums. They are receiving treatment. Most of them are stable, but three remain in the ICU,” a hospital source said. Three patients were discharged against medical advice over the past two days.

Another patient succumbed to injuries last night, an official said. The number of victims who were brought dead or died at the hospital now stands at 10. The overall death toll has increased to 13.

‘Brief visits allowed’

Doctors said several patients have sustained burn injuries and lost their limbs. Nitin Jaiswal said his relative – 32-year-old garment seller Shiva Jaiswal from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh – sustained multiple injuries on his back, face, nose, and right hand, and was undergoing treatment in the ICU. “Initially, his hearing was impaired because of the blast, but it is improving now. We are all praying for his full recovery,” Mr. Nitin said.

He added that families are now being allowed brief visits to the wards.

Taufiq Khan, whose 38-year-old brother Shakir Khan is being treated for hand injuries, said he hopes for the cab driver’s early discharge.

“We have been here for three days and thankfully he is stable now. We are asking the doctors to discharge him soon,” he said.

Mr. Shakir had parked his vehicle near Red Fort after dropping off a passenger when the blast occurred. He broke the car’s glass window and managed to escape.

Meanwhile, heavy security remains in place at the hospital’s emergency ward, with gates barricaded and access still tightly controlled.