CANACONA
The well at a petrol pump in Canacona which had claimed the lives of two pump attendants about three weeks ago is now a thing of the past after the petrol pump owner sealed the well and levelled it on Wednesday.
The well, which was used to pump water for use of the petrol pump, had been in close proximity to the underground fuel tanks and the fuel dispensers.
Two pump attendants, Nami B Gaonkar (43) of Gulem-Canacona and Barkelo N Gaonkar (40) of Gokuldem-Quepem, who had entered the well to remove a dead turtle, had collapsed and drowned in the well on the evening of October 13.
The incident had sparked outrage among locals and an irate crowd had damaged the office of the petrol pump.
The matter was settled after the pump owner later agreed to provide financial compensation to the two families.
After the tragic incident, the pump remained closed for a week, causing undue hardship to motorists in Canacona and along the highway as this fuel station is the only one in the entire locality.
It is reportedly learnt that the oil company had advised the pump owner to sealed the well existing in close proximity to the fuel pumps.
The pump owner later decided to seal the well and level the ground, sources said.
