Brussels terror victim, airhostess Nidhi Chaphekar returns

Nidhi Chaphekar, the Jet Airways flight in-charge injured in the March 22 Brussels terror attacks, returned to India on Friday morning for further treatment and recovery. She met her two children for the first time in six weeks, an official said.

"Chaphekar has made significant recovery from her injuries sustained during the blasts at Brussels airport. She is in good spirits and very happy to be back with her family," a Jet Airways spokesperson said.

Chaphekar, 42, who flew down from Belgium late on Thursday, was shifted from Mumbai Airport to Breach Candy hospital for the next phase of her recovery programme as outlined by the medicos.

Shortly after landing, she had a happy but emotional reunion with her family members including two children -- son Vardhan, 14, and daughter Vrishi, 11 -- whom she met for the first time in over six weeks, said her husband Rupesh.

"Her homecoming is an extremely emotional moment for all of us, especially her two children, who were reunited with her after six weeks as they could not travel to meet her owing to their (school) studies," Rupesh said, requesting the media to respect the family's privacy needs.

Earlier, she was admitted to Grande Hospital de Chaleroi in Belgium. Chaphekar, who sustained a fractured foot and 15 percent burn injuries, was accompanied by her husband Rupesh Chaphekar.

"We are extremely happy and relieved to have Nidhi back home with us in Mumbai after the horrific events in Brussels. The days following the attacks were harrowing for our family. Nidhi has received the best medical care and attention and has now recovered significantly from her injuries," Rupesh said.

Chaphekar and her flight manager Amit Motwani, were among the injured as two blasts ripped through the Zaventem Airport. The attack claimed 34 lives including that of an Infosys employee Raghavendran Ganeshan.

Chaphekar will continue treatment for her leg injuries with the airline providing necessary support to her and the family.

"Our priority is to ensure that she continues to receive the best medical care and attention so that she can resume her normal life at the earliest," the spokesperson said.

"We would like to thank the doctors and medical staff in Brussels for the care they gave Nidhi during her stay in the hospital. We express our gratitude to the Jet Airways management for all they have done, not just for Nidhi but also the family. We are truly grateful for the support they have extended to us," Rupesh said.

--IANS

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