After being in a comatose condition for over two weeks,Priyanka Rai,22,who was injured in the Juhu car crash on April 1,underwent two major surgeries on Monday. Rai,who suffered multiple external and internal injuries was operated upon at Criticare Hospital. One of the surgeries involved inserting a metal stent in Rais thigh bone as she had suffered a serious femur fracture. These were complicated surgeries that went on for almost two hours. Considering her condition,we were a little apprehensive about how she would respond to the surgeries. However,both the operations were successful and she is now better, said Dr Harshad Argekar,orthopaedic surgeon,Criticare Hospital who operated upon Rai. On April 1,Shivani Rawat (18),Priyanka Rai (22),Nimisha Mane (19),Krishna Mani Thevar (23) were in the car that was being driven by their friend Rahul Mishra (23) on Juhu Tara Road. Mishra,who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol,rammed the speeding vehicle into a tree. The accident claimed the life of Rawat,who died within a few hours. The others were injured. Nimisha Mane died on Friday at Nanavati Hospital. Mishra is now in police custody,booked for negligence leading to death. Rai,who has been critical since the accident,also underwent a skin grafting procedure on her arm and is at present in ICU. Even though she is off life support,doctors said Rai will take time to recover completely. She has opened her eyes and seems to be aware of her surroundings. She is not speaking yet and might have to undergo a couple of more minor surgeries, said Argekar.
