Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 14: Three survivors of the November 10 car explosion near Red Fort continue to battle for life in the ICU of Lok Nayak Hospital (LNJP), hospital sources confirmed on Thursday. Families, gripped with anxiety, have been keeping vigil outside the wards, hoping for the recovery of their loved ones.

A total of 23 injured victims are currently receiving treatment, many suffering from burns, open wounds and shrapnel injuries. “Several patients have ruptured eardrums due to the high-intensity blast. Most are stable, but three remain critical in the ICU,” a hospital source said. Over the past two days, three patients left the hospital against medical advice.

One more patient succumbed to injuries late Wednesday night, taking the number of those brought dead or dying at the hospital to 10. The overall death toll has now climbed to 13.

Relatives of the injured described the ordeal their families are going through. Nitin Jaiswal said his cousin, 32-year-old garment seller Shiva Jaiswal from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, suffered severe burns and multiple injuries on his back, face and right hand. “His hearing was affected initially, but doctors say it’s improving. We are praying for his full recovery,” he said, adding that families are being allowed only brief visits.

Taufiq Khan, whose brother Shakir Khan is recovering from hand injuries, said the cab driver narrowly escaped the explosion after breaking his vehicle’s window. “He is stable now. We hope he will be discharged soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, security remains tight around the hospital’s emergency ward, with barricades in place and restricted access for the public.