Bengaluru Marathoner Stops Mid-Way To Help Out An Accident Victim, Raises Funds For His Surgery

Kannan Sundararajan was running a Bengaluru marathon on October 16 when he saw it.

After reaching his 20 km mark, Kannan was apprised by a fellow runner of an accident on the other side of the Domlur flyover. Being a certified CPR administrator, Kannan rushed to the spot and found a victim of a terrible road accident, who was later identified as Kiran Yadav.

Kannan Sundararajan/Facebook

22-year-old Kiran was thrown off his bike and was runover by a tempo carrying cooking gas cylinders that completely crushed his bones within. He was left seriously injured in the accident.

Kannan recounted the incident in a Facebook post and said:

In the first sight I could tell that the right First-aid was missing. I loudly said to the crowd that I was a trained first responder and requested them to first clear that place. Also requested one more fellow runner who came to help to support the victims head, asked the man to lie down and I made an attempt to keep his leg elevated to control the bleeding. I also made an attempt to apply pressure on the towel to control the bleeding and also lift his leg ¨C that¡¯s when I found that his leg was completely shattered and I could feel the shattered bones moving inside and his feet was dangling awkwardly.

Being the first responder, Kannan acted quickly and smartly:

I realized that was not helping him and he was screaming out of pain. I also found that the bystanders, some race volunteers and people who were wanting to help him had already called for an Ambulance. There was a traffic cop talking on the phone and also was attempting to manage the traffic.

Ketto

But when the ambulance arrived, Kannan was disheartened to see their incapability in handling emergency cases such as Kiran's. It was simply a vehicle with a driver. Kiran was rushed to the hospital while Kannan supported his leg in the best way he could. Kiran's parents were informed and after they arrived, Kannan left to finish his marathon.

But it was fate that Kannan met Kiran. Because what happened next will go down in history as a tale of kindness and compassion.

Kannan, an advocate for road safety, has a mission underway to promote awareness on the same and has even started a campaign to participate in 42 marathons over 42 weekends in the year he turns 42.

What a guy!

But Kiran's accident prompted him to do more. So with a sense of obligations towards helping Kiran through his ordeal and supporting his family, Kannan decided to kickstart a fundraising campaign for Kiran's treatment. He wrote in his post:

"Since yesterday, I¡¯ve sent around 100+ personal emails, sent many tweets and SMS messages, and also made several phone calls to my friends to provide support to Kiran."

Kannan Sundararajan/Facebook

And so it began.

Kannan set up a Ketto campaign and reached out to everyone in his circles. With an overwhelming response, the initiative garnered over Rs. 5.5 lakhs. The race director of the Bengaluru Marathon himself donated Rs. 1 lakh for Kiran's treatment.

Kannan Sundararajan/Facebook

And as of yesterday, Kiran had a successful surgery and was recuperating well.

Kannan's update on the Ketto page read:

"Dear supporters,

I spoke to Kiran's Dad in the morning. Kiran was taken into the OT at around 9.30. Please keep Kiran in your prayers, wish him a speedy recovery. We all know this painful experience is temporary and Kiran will bounce back very quickly.

Sunday the doctors are expected to review his condition and decide the date for his discharge.

Let's Raise The Spirits"

Kannan is a perfect example of why India has ranked top on the World Giving Index. It takes a lot of heart to help a complete stranger. Kudos to Kannan and here's wishing him all the luck in the world.

As an added bonus, watch Kiran's father thanking all the supporters who donated not only their money but also their wishes.