Yes, B's father also was one of the victim. The news reached us yesterday only. My father and chitti family came home for pongal and went back yesterday. Only after reaching they came to know about the news.
Reading in a newspaper was different - the numbers were the only criteria and we were just feeling sorry for the people and the incident. But, now when it struck closer home the impact is bigger. Though i have not seen him in person, immediately after hearing the news i was at loss of words. From yesterday iam not able to behave normally and it is as though i have lost some one dear. Immediately B came in front of my eyes along with his 2 yr old sister. His mother is from a village near Madurai and she is such an innocent lady. Iam unable to think of the plight of the family. Whatever monetary benefits they receive may not be able to fill the void of the person alive with flesh and blood.
Aathu had been going to Sabarimala for the past 5 yrs and i never used to think the journey as otherwise normal. But, i do not know the very thought of his trip next year gives me jitters and henceforth would not be the same.
I think the newspapers instead of covering the extent and number of the accidents should give more coverage to the bereaved family and their haplessness, which in my opinion would create greater impact and would help to prevent accidents or any other incidents to a greater extent. One life or several lives the magnitude should not be measured by numbers.
A life is a life and the loss can just shatter the loved ones and their life can never be the same again.
Edited to add : I sincerely apologise for misleading you in this regard. Actually B is not family though they r more than family - neighbours at my father and chitti's place. Nonetheless is the grief. I thought i had stated that they r our neighbours in our previous post. Anyway passed on your condolences and thanks for the same.