By Jessica McSweeney and Angus Thomson
A hero father killed when he jumped onto train tracks at Carlton station in Sydney’s south to save his twin two-year-old daughters has been identified as a recent immigrant from India who moved to Sydney for work with his young family.
Anand Runwal, 40, and his wife, Poonam, 39, arrived last October, settling within the tight-knit Indian community of suburban Kogarah.
Anand Runwal and his wife, Poonam, with their twin daughters.
Friends and community members rallied around Poonam Runwal after Sunday’s tragedy.
“Losing a partner and a child, and a traumatic experience like this is going to impact her whole life,” Manisha Shirodkar, a friend of Poonam Runwal, told Nine News.
MK Singh from the South Asia Australian Association said the community was “heartbroken”.
“I don’t know how Poonam is going to cope with what has happened,” he told Nine News.
The family posted their Australian adventures on social media. Pictures show the smiling couple and their daughters enjoying Christmas festivities at Darling Harbour and exploring their new city.
Infosys, the international software company where Runwal worked for 12 years, released a statement on Monday saying those who worked there were deeply shocked and saddened by the death of their colleague and his daughter.
“Our prayers are with his wife, his other child, extended family and colleagues,” the statement read. “We are providing every possible support to his family during this time of grief, and also in touch with local authorities.”
On Sunday afternoon, Anand and Poonam’s new life was tragically ripped apart when they arrived at Carlton train station, stepped out of a lift and onto the platform, and for a brief moment let go of a double pram.
The couple moved to Sydney in October. Credit: Facebook
The pram, carrying both daughters, fell onto the tracks.
Runwal raced after his daughters, jumping onto the tracks in a desperate effort to save them.
A train travelling from Cronulla was not due to stop at Carlton, and could not slow down in time. Runwal and one of his daughters died as Poonam watched on in horror.
“He’s just gone into parent mode and tried to save his two young daughters and in doing so, it’s cost him his life,” Premier Chris Minns said on Sunday.
The other twin survived, and was rescued from under the train when police heard crying.
“The two-year-old is doing well, Mum is very traumatised,” Minns said. “She is a member of the local Indian community, being well supported by family and friends.”
The tragedy is the latest on the Sydney train network.
A woman was killed at Punchbowl station this month after she climbed onto tracks to retrieve a slipper. She was unable to climb back onto the platform as a train approached.
Flowers left at Carlton station after Sunday’s horrific accident.Credit: Nick Moir
In February, a man and a woman died at Berowra when they were hit by a freight train while on the tracks late at night.
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