15 years on: Strength, scars and survival after the German Bakery blast

On the day of the blast (Feb 13), Singh was meeting four of his friends at the bakery for a quick snack before heading for the Symbiosis College festival at Koregaon Park. They were about to leave when the blast took place and the next two months, Singh was in trauma care undergoing treatment for high-degree burns and splinter injuries on his hands and legs. The ringing sound in his left ear has also been a constant but Singh prefers not to dwell on it any more. “Our bodies are so strong and adaptable,” says Singh.

A month ago, when he stopped his car briefly outside the German bakery while on a short trip to Pune, Singh admits that he did not feel like going inside. This February, Singh and his wife Yamini Chawla decided to celebrate their sevebth wedding anniversary by offering prayers at Ujjain’s Mahakal temple. “I was fortunate to be given a second chance at life and I am deeply grateful,” Singh added.

‘Still avoid taking North Main Road as far as possible’

Shrikrishna Thapa (47), another survivor who is a captain at Malaka Spice, one of the popular fine-dine restaurants in the city, admits that till date, he avoids taking the North Main Road at Koregaon Park where the bakery is located.

“It is 15 years since the incident but that memory is still fresh. I was working as a cashier and would also make sandwiches at the German bakery where I worked from 1997-2010. It was a fun place to be at where work never felt like work. During Christmas and New Year celebrations, the place would be packed with people singing and playing their guitars, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere. It always felt more like a place of enjoyment than a job,” recalls Thapa until February 13, when the blast killed 17 people and left 56 others injured.

Sumeet Singh and wife Yamini Chawla. On the day of the blast (Feb 13), Singh was meeting four of his friends at the bakery for a quick snack before heading for the Symbiosis College festival at Koregaon Park.

“I had just completed my work and was leaving the place when the blast occurred. I was flung to one side and was unconscious. Later all I could see was smoke, bodies with no legs, hands. It was horrible. I had 30 per cent burns and still remember telling the ambulance driver to first assist those who were severely injured. Later, with a few people I walked towards Inlaks and Budhrani hospital for treatment,” said Thapa who now lives with his family at Yerawada and works in Kharadi.

‘My heart skips a beat when I hear the name Pune’

Rajeev Agarwala tragically did not survive. His sister Radhika, who is based in Kolkata, admits that even hearing Pune’s name makes her heart skip a beat. Rajeev Agarwala was among the top five bright students at Symbiosis Law College and was in his final year when he went to the German Bakery with his friends and died in the blast.

Shrikrishna Thapa (47), another survivor who is a captain at Malaka Spice, one of the popular fine-dine restaurants in the city.

Radhika, who works as a company secretary at a public limited firm in Kolkata, remembered how a month before the incident, he had spoken at length with her and said that he would always be there for her. “That year, I had to take the CS examination and I remember Rajeev telling my mother not to get so worked up as I would clear the examination. He had amazing confidence in me and I cleared the exam. 15 years on, my brother continues to be with us. My elder brother Ravi and I have set up a Rajeev Agarwal memorial trust and have planned some activities in his memory,” Radhika said.

She however added that while she has not been to Pune in a while, her heart skipped a beat when her husband mentioned that he had to travel to the city.

After a hectic day, while heading back from Inlaks and Budhrani hospital, noted plastic and cosmetic surgeon Dr Sumit Saxena got an emergency call and amid the mayhem was provided a green corridor. (Express Photo)

‘Patients come and go but these left memories’

After a hectic day, while heading back from Inlaks and Budhrani hospital, noted plastic and cosmetic surgeon Dr Sumit Saxena got an emergency call and amid the mayhem was provided a green corridor. “We had the maximum number of patients due to the proximity of the hospital to the German bakery,” Dr Saxena recalled.

Patients were being wheeled into the emergency room, limbs had to be amputated to save lives, bleeding had to be stopped, injuries had to be catered to. The blood bank was getting exhausted and for Dr Saxena, months of work had just begun.

“Patients come and go but these left memories, a myriad of them. Among these was the only daughter of my senior from Ludhiana. She was very critical. Despite the best of our efforts, we were not able to save her. It struck me hard and it still hurts. Then there was the chef of the bakery. He had burnt his whole face. With proper handling of skin and care for a few months, the skin was to have whitening and anti-aging effects. True to my conviction, he looked much more youthful and fairer than he was,” said the surgeon.

“Another woman underwent multiple reconstructive surgeries and later cosmetic procedures, including laser, peels and dimple creation. She ended up becoming a motivational speaker, acted in some movies and got involved in social welfare activities,” Dr Saxena said, adding that like every year, he still gets a call to attend the lamp lighting ceremony near German Bakery. “I attended a few and missed many but the light always remained ignited. The patient’s scars might have healed. As for mine, I am not sure though,” added Dr Saxena.