A father and son from the Buffalo area are battling life-altering injuries following a multi-vehicle crash in Mississauga last month.

Masud Biswas, 43, has lost both of his legs above the knee, while his 12-year-old son, Marif, has undergone multiple surgeries and could face dozens more as doctors work to save his legs and help him regain the ability to walk.

The Amherst, New York, family was returning home from Toronto on Aug. 11 when Masud and Marif were involved in a collision on Highway 403 in Mississauga.

The extent of their injuries was not known when the crash was first reported. Ontario Provincial Police initially said the father and son had suffered critical, life-threatening injuries and were taken to trauma centres. Now the injuries have been described as “catastrophic.”

According to a GoFundMe campaign established by neighbours of the family, Masud remains hospitalized in Ontario in stable condition following the amputations.

Marif has undergone about half a dozen surgeries so far, according to the fundraising campaign. He has since been transferred to Golisano Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, where he is also in stable condition.

Doctors are trying to save Marif’s legs, but he could require dozens more surgeries during what is expected to be a long recovery, the GoFundMe says.

Before the crash, Marif was a seventh-grade student at Amherst Middle School who enjoyed playing soccer and basketball. While recovering in hospital, he has been keeping busy by building Lego sets.

His father’s injuries have also fundamentally changed the family’s circumstances.

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Masud was the family’s sole provider, according to the GoFundMe, and is now permanently disabled and unable to work. He was employed by the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and was described as someone who enjoyed helping others.

Masud Biswas continues to receive treatment at a local hospital (GoFundMe photo)

 

The family now faces years of medical care and living expenses, as well as potential renovations to their home to accommodate two family members with significant disabilities.

The crash occurred shortly before 5 p.m. on Aug. 11 in the westbound lanes of Highway 403 near Mavis Road.

According to OPP, two vehicles were initially involved in a collision. The drivers moved their vehicles to the right shoulder and got out to inspect the damage and exchange information.

A third vehicle then veered into the scene and struck one of the vehicles on the shoulder.

The impact pushed that vehicle into Masud and Marif, who were standing outside, pinning them underneath.

Both were taken to trauma centres with critical injuries. A third person was taken to hospital with minor injuries, while the driver of the third vehicle was not injured.

The extent of Masud and Marif’s injuries has since prompted an outpouring of support in their Amherst community.

Their next-door neighbour, Matt Higgins, and his family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for the family’s mounting medical and living expenses.

“The family is dealing with unthinkable tragedy,” Higgins told Buffalo television station WKBW. “The family breadwinner is permanently disabled and unable to work. Their youngest son has his whole life ahead of him, and he’s got a lot of surgeries ahead of him too.”

Higgins said the fundraising effort is intended to help the family deal with medical expenses that are expected to be “monumental,” while also helping them with living costs during a difficult time.

As of Tuesday night (Sept. 8), the GoFundMe had raised about $14,500 toward its $75,000 goal. Here is the link to the GoFundMe page.

 


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