On Sunday, July 21, 2024, Sydney witnessed a heart-wrenching tragedy at Carlton Train Station that has left an Indian family shattered and the broader community in mourning. The incident occurred around 12:30 pm when a double pram carrying twin two-year-old girls fell onto the train tracks. In a desperate act of heroism and love, 40-year-old Anand Runwal jumped onto the tracks to save his daughters. Tragically, he was pulled under the train along with one of his daughters, while the other child survived but remains deeply affected by the ordeal.
The Runwal family had relocated to Sydney only nine months ago from Pune, India, seeking new opportunities and a better life. Anand, a dedicated professional with a 12-year tenure at Infosys, had recently taken on a new role as a technical test lead in North Sydney. The family was excited to start their new chapter in Australia, and the tragic event occurred during what was intended to be a joyful family outing.
Eyewitnesses at Carlton Station reported that as the family approached the platform, the pram with the toddlers fell onto the tracks. Anand’s instinct as a father led him to leap onto the tracks to rescue his children, even as bystanders frantically waved and shouted to halt the approaching train. Despite their desperate attempts to alert the train operators and the arrival of the police minutes later, the tragedy unfolded swiftly and devastatingly.
The Runwal family’s social media posts over the past months had shown a family embracing their new life in Australia with joy and excitement. Photos from their Christmas celebrations at Darling Harbour and their explorations of Sydney’s landmarks depicted their enthusiasm and hope for their new beginning.
In the wake of this tragedy, Infosys issued a heartfelt statement expressing their deep sorrow and support for the Runwal family. “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of our colleague Anand Runwal and his daughter,” the statement read. “Our prayers are with his wife, his surviving child, extended family, and colleagues. We are providing every possible support to his family during this time of grief and are in touch with local authorities.”
The community has been quick to respond with tributes and messages of condolence. However, it has come to light that the family has requested that no fundraising activities be conducted at this time. They are receiving support from local community efforts, Infosys, and other known individuals. The family has expressed concerns about potential misuse of their situation and has asked that their wishes be respected to avoid any fraudulent activities.
As the admin of this group and a representative of the broader community, I urge everyone to honor the family’s request. Please refrain from posting any fundraising appeals related to this incident. Instead, let us show our support through our thoughts and prayers. If there are any formal channels or community-led initiatives that align with the family’s wishes, we will share that information as it becomes available.
This is a time for the community to come together and offer solace to the Runwal family. Let us respect their privacy and support them in any way that aligns with their needs and requests during this profoundly difficult time.
Our hearts go out to the Runwal family, and we hope that they find comfort and strength amidst the outpouring of support from their new community and beyond.
