A recent immigrant from India, identified as Anand Runwal, 40, was killed in a heroic act to save his twin two-year-old daughters after their pram fell onto the train tracks at Carlton station in Sydney’s south. The family, who had moved to Australia for work, had settled in the suburban Kogarah area last October.
Anand's wife, Poonam, 39, was left devastated by the tragedy. Friends and community members have rallied around her for support. Manisha Shirodkar, a friend, expressed the profound impact of the event, stating, “Losing a partner and a child in such a traumatic manner will affect her entire life.” MK Singh from the South Asia Australian Association also conveyed the community's grief, saying, “I don’t know how Poonam is going to cope with what has happened.”
The Runwal family had been documenting their new life in Australia on social media, sharing joyful moments spent at Darling Harbour and around Sydney. Anand, who had worked for Infosys for 12 years, was remembered by his colleagues in a statement released by the company. “Our prayers are with his wife, his other child, extended family, and colleagues. We are providing every possible support to his family during this time of grief and are in touch with local authorities,” the statement read.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when Anand, Poonam, and their daughters arrived at Carlton station. As they stepped out of the lift onto the platform, the pram accidentally rolled onto the tracks. In a desperate attempt to save his daughters, Anand jumped onto the tracks but was struck by a train travelling from Cronulla, which could not stop in time. Both Anand and one of his daughters were killed, while the other twin survived and was rescued from under the train, her cries alerting the police.
Premier Chris Minns described Anand’s actions as those of a dedicated parent. “He’s just gone into parent mode and tried to save his two young daughters, and in doing so, it’s cost him his life,” Minns said. He added that the surviving twin is recovering well, but Poonam is deeply traumatised and is receiving support from the local Indian community.
This incident is the latest in a series of tragic events on Sydney’s train network. Earlier this month, a woman was killed at Punchbowl station after attempting to retrieve a slipper from the tracks, and in February, a man and a woman died at Berowra when they were hit by a freight train while on the tracks late at night.
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