Burnley businessman hurt in A56 crash wakes from coma
9:00pm Tuesday 2nd October 2012 in News
By Chris Gee, Reporter
A BUSINESSMAN from Burnley who was left fighting for his life in a crash that killed his sister has ‘improved significantly’ in hospital.
Tariq Gulzar, 32, was on his way to a dental appointment in Manchester when his Mercedes Coupe car, collided with two vans and a car, on the A56 bypass.
He sustained serious injuries to his legs and abdomen in the accident last Tuesday and was in a coma until the weekend.
His sister Shameem Gulzar, 35, of Old Hall Street, Daneshouse, Burnley, died last Tuesday morning, while their 18-month-old niece, also in the car, suffered minor injuries, Shameem and Tariq’s brother Salim Gulzar said his brother had ‘got much better’ over the weekend.
He said: “It was a joyful moment for all of us on Sunday when he spoke to us and recognised us for the first time since the accident.
“He still has a very, very long journey ahead of him to get better but with his strength and determination we are hopeful that he will recover fully.
“There have been so many people praying for him and my late sister. The support of our community and from strangers has been massive. All of our family are thankful for those compassionate wishes.”
Tariq runs the family business, Burnley Plumbing Supplies, in Old Hall Street, Daneshouse, along with Salim, and a third brother, Nadeem.
Since the accident, which happened during persistent heavy rain, prayer dedications have been said for Shameem and Tariq at the Jamia Masjid Ghausia Mosque, in Abel Street, Burnley.
Mr Gulzar thanked the community for its support since the accident.
An inquest into Miss Gulzar’s death has been opened, and adjourned, at Blackburn Coroner’s Court.
