THE WRETCHED ACCIDENT

 
This cable was sent to the mandali in India on May 24, 1952:

Class SF Code 1401 R 36/25 PRAGUE Date 24 OCS CTF Words 20

Sarosh Ahmednagar India

BABA LADIES PARTY ELIZABETH DRIVING INJURED IN MOTOR ACCIDENT NOW AT PRAGUE HOSPITAL PRAGUE OKLAHOMA -- DETAILS FOLLOW

SAROSH

Sarosh described the terrible scene in a letter written the next day to Baba's close ones in India:

... We had done about 800 miles out of the 3,000 that we had to do for Hollywood, etc.

Yesterday 24th, we were on our way to Oklahoma, Elizabeth's car was very powerful, so she could go very fast. We followed her in a small car -- Nash station wagon. Oh what should I write. Yesterday was a hellish day for us. We arrived nearly half an hour late after Elizabeth's car met with an accident. It was such a sight that we all those who saw it, would not forget it for [a] lifetime. It was a very serious accident and all the five occupants of the car including Baba were very seriously injured. On arrival, we saw Baba covered with blood on all the face on one side, Mehera, Mehru full of blood on the other side. Elizabeth got stuck in the seat with the steering wheel. You can imagine the condition of such a sight ... I straight went to Baba and tried to help him.

Delia, who was in Sarosh's car, described their reaction:

With lightning speed we jumped out of the car and rushed forward. The anguish of that moment is unforgettable .... Baba's face with blood pouring from His head, the extraordinary expression on Baba's face. His eyes just staring straight ahead as if into unfathomable distances. He made no sound or sign ... just lay there motionless.... Elizabeth was in the car doubled over the wheel. Her first question had been "Is He alive?" The only one not injured was Mani.

Sarosh wrote the day after to Jal:

This is U.S.A. so the police and the help arrived on the scene very soon and the injured were removed to nearest hospital Prague.

Elizabeth's car collided with another car. The injuries are:

Baba has a fractured left foot at the ankle and the fracture of the left arm and the face inside and outside all bruised. Mehera has a fractured skull and forehead. Elizabeth fractured both her arms [and her collarbone and also broke eleven ribs]. Mani has many scratches and small bruises on foot, etc. It was Mani who helped all the rest until we arrived at the spot, say after 20 mins. Baba says this is for the good of the world. They are well fixed up and the doctor is a very good man at heart.

Adi wrote to Pappa Jessawala later, "The trip to American just proves the truth of Baba's hesitation to come to America and the prediction of a personal disaster."