Canadians Return Home After Mumbai Attacks
Posted November 29, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
After three days of sheer terror, the siege finally ended in Mumbai and many made the emotional return home to Toronto.
At Pearson International Airport, Donna Sawchuk’s family couldn’t hold back the tears. She was holed up in Mumbai’s Oberoi hotel during the 60-hour terrorist assault on the city.
Sawchuk described the scene. “The shock of seeing…the whole lobby in the Trident – all the windows were smashed when they threw the bomb…Glass everywhere…Blood everywhere.”
The death toll from the attacks continued to climb as police searched the 565 rooms at the iconic Taj Mahal hotel.
“We have recovered 22 bodies of hostages and guests and till (this) morning we had three bodies of terrorists. Later in the afternoon we have found one more body along with an AK-47 rifle,” noted J.K. Dutt, Director-General of the Indian National Security Guards.
At last count, the number of dead neared 200, including two Canadians. Dr. Mike Moss was days away from returning home from a four week trip. The other victim has not been identified.
Who’s behind what some are calling India’s 9-11?
Investigators are finding all kinds of clues. A GPS and cell phone – allegedly showing calls made to Pakistan – were found inside a boat seized by authorities.
But Pakistan’s President, Asif Ali Zardari, pledged full cooperation.
“I stand with the people of India. I stand with the leadership of India. I am sorry that you are going through this,” he stressed.
Mumbai singer Arijit could only express his shock over the whole situation. “My home is burning, my people are burning, dying. I am shaking…it’s three days that I have been glued in front of the TV, I have not really slept a wink.”
Canada’s consul general in Mumbai narrowly escaped being caught in the crossfire of the attacks. Gary Luton was in a cafe just behind the Taj hotel when shots rang out on Wednesday.
