Excitement filled 23-year-old Roshni’s world until Thursday as the family busily planned her wedding for next year. Her father, Ramesh Kumar, worked tirelessly to ensure her dream day would be perfect. However, tragedy struck early Friday when a heavy pole crushed Kumar’s cab at IGI Airport, killing him instantly.
Ravinder (25), Kumar’s elder son, recounted to TOI the moment he received the news. “We received a call from the airport informing us that my father had been injured,” he recalled. “Later, the devastating truth came: he had passed away, and his body was taken to Safdarjung Hospital. We haven’t been allowed to see him yet.”
Ravinder vividly remembered his father’s last conversation with his younger brother at 3 am. Kumar had mentioned he was transporting a passenger from Faridabad to IGI Airport, wrapping up his shift, and looking forward to returning home. He had been driving cabs from 5 pm till early morning for the past four years. “Before this, my father used to drive private vehicles,” Ravinder said, his voice filled with tears. “As my sister’s wedding approached, I also started driving cabs, juggling multiple shifts.”
Ravinder went on to share that just two months ago, they had purchased a second-hand car and are still paying installments. “Now, I’m not sure how we’ll manage the payments,” he admitted, his voice reflecting uncertainty and concern.
Originally from Bundelkhand, the family resides in rented accommodation in Rohini’s Vijay Vihar. Besides Roshni and Ravinder, Kumar left behind his wife and two other children.
“My younger sister Bhawna (18) was very close to him, and we haven’t yet told her about the incident,” Ravinder said. Bhawna recently cleared her Class XI exams, and Kumar wanted to help her prepare for competitive examinations. “This tragedy hasn’t just taken one life; it has shattered our family. Our future looks uncertain now,” Ravinder said, his voice full of grief and apprehension.
