Drunk driving victims on road to recovery

MUMBAI: More than a month ago, Priyanka Rai (22) and Charu Khandal (28) became victims of separate drunk-driving cases. Today, both are showing improvement in their condition. While Priyanka still has a long way to recovery, Charu's family is looking forward to her recovery and subsequent marriage.
Priyanka Rai (22) was grievously injured when the car, in which she and her friends were travelling, crashed into a tree and later into an auto.Her friend Shivani Rawat (18) died within hours of the mishap, while another friend Nimisha Mane (19) died two weeks later.
Doctors say Priyanka has shown improvement after a surgery for facial bones last week. "She is conscious and shows some movement in the hand and is in a better condition than before," said Dr Abhay Vispute, who is treating Priyanka at Criticare in Andheri (W).
Priyanka suffered fractures on her vertebrae, skull, ribs and legs. She also developed pneumothorax (lung collapse caused by collection of air in the space around the organ) following rib fracture, causing difficulty in breathing.
Though Priyanka's condition is better now, the family is waiting for her to talk. "She is not able to move much, neither does she talk," said Surendra Kumar Pandey, Priyanka's uncle.
The family has received monetary help from MP Nitesh Rane, which helped them pay for a major part of Priyanka's treatment. To sustain treatment, we will need more help. Otherwise, it will not be possible for Priyanka's father, who earns Rs 15,000 per month," said Pandey. Priyanka still has to undergo one more plastic surgery.
On the other hand, after 36 days in the ICU, Charu has now been moved to a private room on Wednesday. Her fiance, Sagar Thacker said, "She felt a little sensation in her palm. She is better now, but a complete recovery will take time.''
Doctors say Charu has been put off the ventilator and can breathe, eat and drink on her own. "She can be rehabilitated with physiotherapy," said Dr Ram Narain, medical director of Kokilaben Hospital, where Charu is being treated. Earlier, Sagar and Charu had planned to marry in November. Sagar said, "Right now, we are thinking of getting her back on her feet and nothing beyond that. It is most likely to be a court marriage.Both families have done enough of running around after the accident, so I would like it to keep it small and quiet.''