Driver lost both hands in construction site accident, but refused to give up: From spending weeks in a hospital bed to getting back behind the wheel & supporting his family

For Avinash Rathod, an ordinary day at a construction site changed his life within seconds. While trying to remove a pipe that had become stuck near a transformer, Rathod was electrocuted in an accident that left him without both hands.

What followed was a difficult journey of recovery, uncertainty and learning to adapt to a new way of life. Rathod has shared his story on Instagram through his account, ‘mr_rathod_13_19’, recalling the accident, his time in hospital and the role his family and faith played in helping him move forward.

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Today, Rathod works as a driver, supports his family and continues to participate in Ganpati celebrations in his community.

Construction site accident left Avinash Rathod without both hands

“I was working at a construction site when my life changed in a matter of seconds,” Rathod recalled.

He was attempting to remove a pipe that had become stuck near a transformer when he was electrocuted. He was rushed to hospital following the accident, but doctors told him that his hands could not be saved.

“But the doctors told me there was no way to save my hands. They had to amputate them,” he said.

The news left Rathod struggling to understand what his future would look like.

“I remember lying there and thinking, ‘What will happen to my life now?’” he recalled.

His worries were also centred on his family. Rathod had lost his father at a young age, while his wife was four months pregnant with their son when the accident happened.

“My biggest fear wasn’t about myself, it was about how I would take care of my family,” Rathod said.

Wife supported him during difficult recovery

The period after the accident was extremely challenging. Rathod spent almost a month unable to get out of bed as he began adjusting to the changes brought about by his injuries.

His wife became a major source of support during the difficult period.

“She kept telling me, ‘Tension mat lo, sab theek ho jayega,’” Rathod recalled.

His family and doctors supported him as he gradually began the recovery process. Even small physical milestones became significant for him.

After weeks in bed, Rathod eventually began exercising and working towards regaining his mobility.

“Jab pehli baar main khud khada hua aur chala, tab laga, ‘Main abhi bhi kuch kar sakta hoon,’” he said.

That moment helped change his outlook. Rather than focusing only on what he had lost, Rathod began thinking about what he could still achieve.

Avinash Rathod returned to work as a driver

Rathod eventually returned to work and today earns a living as a driver while taking care of his family.

“I started working again. Today, I work as a driver and take care of my family,” he said.

His return to work marked another important step in rebuilding his life after the accident. He had to adapt to everyday tasks and responsibilities while living without both hands.

Alongside his work and family life, Rathod continues to participate in Ganpati celebrations in his community.

Ganpati celebrations remain close to his heart

Rathod said Ganpati celebrations continue to hold a special place in his life. During the festival, he helps with cleaning and other small chores.

“Ganpati has always been special to me,” he said. “Being around Bappa during the festival gives me a different kind of happiness.”

For Rathod, taking part in the celebrations is also connected to his family and faith.

“I feel Bappa has always been with us,” he said.

‘I can walk, work and take care of my family’

Rathod says his family remains central to his life. His wife stood by him through the aftermath of the accident, and the couple is now raising their son together.

“After everything we’ve been through, we’re still together, raising our son,” he said.

His life today is different from what he had imagined before the accident. However, Rathod says he has found ways to work, walk and take care of his family despite the challenges.

“I can walk, work and take care of my family,” he said.

Reflecting on everything he has experienced, Rathod summed up his journey in a few words: “I lost my hands that day. But I never lost my will to live.”