Brussels attack survivor returns

Nidhi Chaphekar on her arrival on Friday.

Nidhi Chaphekar, the Jet Airways crew member who was critically injured in the terror attack on Brussels airport on March 22, landed in Mumbai on Friday morning. Nidhi was accompanied by her husband Rupesh Chaphekar, who called it an “emotional moment” and said Nidhi has overcome her burn injuries, but will undergo treatment at Breach Candy Hospital for fracture.

After the blast Nidhi had about 15 per cent burns on her body and a fractured foot and had been admitted in a local hospital in Brussels for the past six weeks. Nidhi has been working in Jet Airways for the past 20 years as in-flight manager.

Nidhi, who landed in Mumbai by Jet Airways fight 9W 123 at around 7.10 am, headed to Waterstones club near the Airport road metro station after finishing her immigration process to meet her children and sisters.

Nidhi’s husband Rupesh Chaphekar told The Asian Age, “The days following the attacks were harrowing for our family. Nidhi has received the best medical care and attention and has now recovered significantly from her injuries and we are very happy that she is back. She will now continue her recovery at a hospital in Mumbai.”

When en-route to the hospital, Nidhi made a halt in a hotel to meet her children Vrishi, 11, Vardhaan, 14, her sisters who came from Punjab and other relatives.

When meeting her children Nidhi asked them about their studies as they had their exams, because of which they could not visit her, said Nidhi’s sister-in-law Madhuri.

Commenting on Nidhi’s return, official spokesperson of Jet Airways said, “She has made significant recovery from her injuries sustained during the blasts at Brussels airport. Nidhi will now undergo treatment in Mumbai as part of the next phase of her recovery programme outlined by doctors.”