Australia rallies behind grieving mum after Carlton train tragedy
Australians have rallied together to raise money for the wife of a hero father who died along with his daughter after they were tragically struck by a train.
Anand Runwal, 40, and his two-year-old daughter were killed at Sydney's Carlton train station on July 21 after a pram carrying the twin girls fell onto the train tracks.
One of the twins miraculously survived and was rescued by police who crawled under the train when they heard her crying.
Now, nearly $140,000 has been raised for his wife, Poonam, who reportedly flew back to India to be with family and bury her husband, according to the Daily Mail.
“In the face of this unimaginable loss and grief, we come together as family, friends and colleagues to support the family of Anand Runwal, a hero who sacrificed everything to try and save his twin daughters during the Carlton Train Station tragedy,” the fundraiser read.
“Anand was a calm, humble and friendly person who was liked by everyone he associated with.
“Let’s surround the Runwal family with love, kindness, and generosity. Every donation, share, and message of support brings comfort and hope to those affected by this tragedy.”
The fundraiser has exceeded its initial goal of $20,000 and has now been closed.
Nadeen Ahmed, who runs the Indians in Sydney Facebook group has shared Poonam's reaction to the generosity of everyone who donated.
“They initially wanted to raise $20,000 to help her with her immediate expenses but they were overwhelmed by the response and people’s generosity,” Ahmed told the Daily Mail.
"They ended up raising almost $140,000 in just a couple of days, which they never expected.
"They raised so much they decided to close the fundraiser and that money has now all been transferred to Mrs Runwal," she continued.
“It’s a very hard situation for her, knowing what to do. She’s heading back to India to be with family because it is going to take months and months for her to deal with this tragedy.”
NSW Police Superintendent Paul Dunstan was one of many who praised Runwal’s "brave and heroic" act.
NSW Premier Chris Minns, who lives close to the station, also praised the father's "instinctive act of bravery", adding “that’s not going to bring him or his little daughter back, but it shouldn’t go unremarked upon in the face of a terrible, terrible accident.
“He gave his life to try and save his children.”
Images: Facebook