BENGALURU: Alexandra Ryzczak, the Polish tourist grievously injured in Friday’s train accident near Anekal, stands a good chance of walking again.
The 25-year-old graphics designer, who also goes by the name of Ola, was on the Bengaluru-Ernakulam Intercity Express that veered off the tracks an hour after leaving the City railway station. The derailment claimed nine lives, and left 20 injured.
Ola suffered what the doctors called “a nerve explosion” in her left leg. She had remained stuck for a long time behind a metal object before she was rescued. “There was a delay in bringing her to a specialist hospital and that caused her condition to aggravate,” said a doctor at Sparsh Hospital, now treating her. “We had contemplated amputating her leg as that looked like the only way we could save her life.”
Ola and her boyfriend Kamil Klebanksi were travelling in India and had planned to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Kerala. Kamil sustained minor leg injuries. Ola was brought to Sparsh Hospital after Kamil requested the railway authorities to keep both of them in the same hospital.
“She broke down and was hysterical when we told her she might lose her legs. Even Kamil broke down,” a hospital staffer told Express.
The doctors began exploring alternatives after a while. “We went in for a surgery that would salvage her leg. And right now she is in the ICU,” said Dr Ramesh, Manager.
An external fixator has been provided for the left leg, explained Dr Madhwesh, Chief Medical Superintendent, Railways Hospital. Apart from Kamil, many at the private hospital rejoiced, too. “She is too young for something like this,” said an elderly nurse.
Sparsh has been getting calls from passengers and others who read about her plight. Ola and Kamil’s trip was to conclude on February 23.
“Ola is under observation and will be discharged from the ICU after some days,” said Dr Ramesh.