Mumbai terror attacks: Survivor tales

The survivors of this horrific attack on Mumbai share their experiences of eight hours spent in the Taj Mahal hotel.

 

Here is a verbatim transcript of Vrushali Haldipur's comments on CNBC-TV18. Also watch the accompanying video.

 

Neil Issac, Assistant Headwaiter, MasalaKraft, Taj Mahal Hotel said, "I was in tears when I finally came home. My wife was watching this on TV and my son asked her, has daddy died?"

 

A sense of relief for survivors who lived through Mumbai's darkest hours. Neil Issac and Prakash Bangera both colleagues at the Taj Hotel were trapped for eight hours along with guests at the Zodiac Grill - a fine-dining restaurant at the Hotel. But even after being rescued on Thursday morning, and back home in Navi Mumbai, they continue to be on edge, waiting for news of the fate of their colleagues and guests still inside.

 

Prakash Bangera, Captain, Zodiac Grill, Taj Mahal Hotel said, "I had never experienced gunfire except for some few action movies. We heard loud noises from the grenades, it was terrifying."

 

Neil Issac , Assistant Headwaiter, MasalaKraft, Taj Mahal Hotel said, "What scared me was the guy shooting bullets in the air."

 

Prakash Bangera, Captain, Zodiac Grill, Taj Mahal Hotel said, "I'd be happy if it was all a dream from which I wake up one day."

 

 After the nightmare, it's back to work for Alok Vajpayi, who was dining at the Golden Dragon restaurant at the Taj when the terrorists struck.

 

Alok Vajpeyi, Managing Director, Dawnday Financial Services said, ""When we were crawling thorugh the hotel, I saw a body the man's shirt was covered with blood that's when I understood that this was more serious than I thought."

 

But right now all that the survivors can do is continue to hope for the best.

 

Prakash Bangera, Captain, Zodiac Grill, Taj Mahal Hotel said, "I had a bet with my daugther, she said daddy, your Taj will fall and I said no."

 

A sentiment that will no doubt be echoed by the city of dreams.