Tragic 24 Hours on Goa Roads: Three Lives Lost in Separate Accidents
In a devastating series of events, three individuals lost their lives in three distinct road accidents across Goa within a span of 24 hours. The incidents occurred in Guirim, Anjuna, and Lakherem in Bicholim, raising serious concerns about road safety and driving practices in the region.
First Accident: Pedestrian Fatality on NH 66 in Guirim
The first tragic incident took place on Saturday evening around 8pm at Guirim. A 77-year-old pedestrian, Anand Dharwadkar, was crossing NH 66 when he was struck by a four-wheeler. According to eyewitness accounts, there was a significant delay in the arrival of an ambulance at the scene, which may have impacted the response time.
Saligao Police Inspector Milind Bhuimbar stated that the driver, Paresh Halanker, a resident of Salvador do Mundo, was operating his vehicle in a rash and negligent manner while traveling from Mapusa towards Porvorim. Upon reaching Guirim, he collided with Dharwadkar, who sustained grievous injuries. The victim was rushed to the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa, where the medical officer on duty declared him dead.
Second Accident: Single-Vehicle Crash in Anjuna
In the second case, Anjuna police received a distress call regarding a self-accident near Rocky Garage in Anjuna. Anjuna Police Inspector Suraj Gawas provided details, explaining that Jaster Vincent Rodrigues, a 27-year-old resident of Quepem, was driving towards the Anjuna Tito junction road.
"On his way, he lost control over the vehicle and dashed the car against a coconut tree on the right side of the road," Gawas said. Rodrigues suffered severe injuries and later succumbed to them at the North Goa District Hospital, marking another heartbreaking loss.
Third Accident: Collision in Lakherem, Bicholim
The third fatal accident occurred in Lakherem, Bicholim. Bicholim Police Inspector Vijay Rane Sardesai reported that the driver of a four-wheeler, Satish Surya Lotlikar, a 71-year-old resident of Curchorem, was proceeding from Bicholim to Lakherem. He was driving in a rash and negligent manner when his vehicle collided with an oncoming motorcycle.
Sardesai noted that the two-wheeler was heading towards Bicholim at the time of the collision. The rider, Ganesh Biradar, a resident of Bordem, sustained grievous injuries and tragically passed away while being transported to the community health centre in Bicholim.
Key Factors and Community Impact
These incidents underscore several critical issues:
- Rash and Negligent Driving: Authorities have identified this as a common factor in multiple accidents, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
- Emergency Response Delays: The delay in ambulance arrival in the Guirim case points to potential gaps in emergency medical services.
- Road Safety Measures: The accidents occurred in varied locations, suggesting a broader need for improved road infrastructure and safety awareness campaigns.
The local communities in Guirim, Anjuna, and Bicholim are mourning the loss of these individuals, and the incidents have sparked conversations about enhancing road safety protocols across Goa. As investigations continue, authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits to prevent further tragedies.
