MUMBAI, Feb. 23 -- A week after a concrete slab from the under-construction Metro 4 corridor crashed onto vehicles on LBS Marg in Mulund, autorickshaw driver Rajkumar Yadav, 43, remains in a critical condition in the ICU, with his family unsure if he will ever live a normal life again. His relative, Mahendra Yadav, 52, who was also injured in the incident, continues to suffer from severe chest pain and internal injuries and is on medication. The incident occurred on February 14 when a slab fell on a moving autorickshaw and a Skoda car, killing Ramdhani Yadav, 49, instantly and injuring three others. Rajkumar, who was driving the rickshaw, was pinned inside for nearly 30 minutes after the slab mangled his left leg. He was unconscious for four days and regained consciousness only three days ago. Due to the tragic incident, Rajkumar suffered multiple injuries-fractured ribs, a fractured left hand and severe damage to his left leg, for which three rods have been inserted. His spleen also had to be surgically removed. For nearly 20 years, Rajkumar worked as a driver in Mumbai, first operating private cars and for the past 15 years driving an autorickshaw. To supplement his income, he delivered tender coconuts to shops in Mira Road from 5am to 11am. In 2025, after years of saving, he finally bought his own autorickshaw by applying for an automobile loan. "He had planned for more than a decade to buy one of his own. Something or the other kept coming in the way. Finally, he managed it," said his brother-in-law, Sarvesh Yadav. The vehicle now lies crushed. While insurance is expected to cover the remaining loan, the family is uncertain how they will arrange funds for a replacement. With Rajkumar hospitalised and the rickshaw destroyed, the household income has come to a halt. Even as Rajkumar recovers at the hospital, household expenses eat into the family's savings. At his Nalasopara rented apartment, Rajkumar's wife Meera Devi, son Ritesh, 23, and 12-year-old daughter Pari, a Class 6 student at Mahura Bal Vikas High School still have to pay rent, and school and coaching fees for Ritesh who is studying for the CAT (Common Admission Test). "There is no income, but expenses are mounting. No one talks about these hidden costs of an accident. Travelling to the hospital costs Rs.500 one way every day," Ritesh told HT. Ritesh added that his father has become fragile. "He may need medical assistance for life. If his treatment is made free for the rest of his life, it will lessen our burden," he said. With Ritesh having recently joined a finance company, the families financial troubles seemed to be easing when the accident occurred. easing financial pressures at home. "Now all that hard-earned money is being spent bit by bit to keep the family afloat," said Rajkumar's wife, Meera Devi. As Rajkumar remains in critical care, the family's plans are on hold. They have written to the MMRDA and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking full medical coverage, long-term care support, a source of income and adequate compensation. Rajkumar's elder brother, Ashok Yadav, has been at the hospital round the clock. "We both used to shoulder the responsibility for our families and our sisters. Now I feel alone. I keep telling everyone everything will be fine, but the responsibility feels heavier," he said. No immediate family member of Rajkumar has returned to work, school or college in the past week as they shuttle between hospital and home. A day after the tragic accident, the MMRDA announced it would provide insurance compensation of approximately Rs.15-20 lakh, subject to applicable policy terms. The state government also provided ex gratia assistance of Rs.5 lakh. Sources in MMRDA said the authority would bear the entire cost of medical treatment for the injured persons, including hospitalisation, procedures, medicines, rehabilitation, and follow-up care....