A Close Shave

[Commander]

The author of the Book of Indian Butterflies - Isaac Kehimkar was recently (some time in mid November) involved in a serious head-on accident whilst returning from official duties (presumably along the highway near Mumbai). A speeding bus jumped the road divider and smashed head-on into the Bombay Natural History Society vehicle in which Isaac was sitting.

Both Isaac and the driver suffered serious injury and were rushed to the hospital. After being operated upon, Isaac was out of danger. I received a cheery email from Isaac this morning to tell me that he's on the road to recovery, and should be discharged and back to work in about 3 weeks' time.

You can read about Isaac and his book on our blog article (http://butterflycircle.blogspot.com/2008/08/book-review-book-of-indian-butterflies.html). The last time I met Isaac in person was at the Asian Lepidoptera Conservation Society's 2nd conference in Penang.

I am glad that he will be back on his feet soon!

P/S : Thanks to Keith Wolfe for sending me a note about Isaac's accident.

[Leopard Lacewing]

Oh dear. Thank God's blessing!
Speedy recovery, Isaac and the driver!

[WillFolsom]

I wish him a full and a speedy recovery. Major accidents like that takes its toll on people and recovery can be slow. Hopefully he will be out and about shortly. Give him my regards. Thank you. William

[Silverstreak]

A very unfortunate accident , with such head on collision the impact is tremendous !

Wishing him and his colleague speedy recovery!

[Peacock Royal]

Though I have never known or met Isaac personally, I have been reading his book quite frequently.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[Commander]

Thanks everyone. I'm sure Isaac will be happy to hear the well-wishes from BC members.

You can see more of his photos online at his Flickr album here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/26689187@N00/

India definitely has a very much higher butterfly biodiversity than many countries in Asia!

[Elbowed Pierrot]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Isaac, especially from someone who have gone thru such times.

[Grass Demon]

A very painful reminder:sweat: .

[WillFolsom]

Steven: Hope you were able to recover fully! William

[Commander]

Actually, Steven and the driver were probably saved from more severe injuries by the car's airbags. I have a newfound respect for airbags now.

The worst victim in that accident was Simon (aka Elbowed Pierrot) who is with us here. I think he still bears the scars of that unfortunate accident - mentally and physically. :-(

[Commander]

A little note from Isaac to thank all of you for your well wishes... :)

Dear SK,


That's very nice of you to put on to your butterfly group. Please convey my thanks to those who have sent me their good wishes, thats very sweet of them. Yes, that day incidentally I was returning from a BNHS butterfly outing near Mumbai- a private butterfly garden , Ovalekar Wadi - after seeing lot butterflies.


With warm regards!
Isaac

[Grass Demon]

Many thanks Will for your concern. I now have total respect for the seat belt and air bag.