MAPUSA
The perilous condition of Goa’s roads once again came under the spotlight on Sunday morning when an ambulance carrying a patient to Goa Medical College (GMC) overturned on the service road near Socorro, Porvorim.
The accident, which occurred around 7 am, could have ended in tragedy but for the fact that all occupants escaped with minor injuries.
The vehicle, on its way from Mapusa District Hospital to GMC, lost control while negotiating a pothole infested road diversion created due to ongoing flyover construction work at Porvorim.
As the driver attempted to maneuver onto the uneven service road riddled with loose gravel and potholes, the ambulance rammed the divider and toppled on its side.
“It was sheer luck that there was no heavy traffic at the time. Had it been later in the day, the consequences could have been far more serious,” said a bystander who rushed to help.
Sources revealed that the ambulance was an old, unfit vehicle, recently transferred from the Bicholim health centre to Mapusa hospital.
Inside the ambulance were a patient of Keri-Pernem, a nurse, driver and two relatives of the patient.
All sustained minor injuries.
Another ambulance was promptly dispatched from Mapusa to ferry the patient safely to GMC.
Local residents and commuters blamed the poor quality of diversions and unfinished service roads for repeated accidents in the area.
“Every day we see vehicles skidding or losing control here. The authorities are playing with lives by not maintaining these diversion roads properly,” said Socorro resident Anthony Fernandes.
Police later carried out a panchanama of the incident, while workers engaged in the flyover project used a crane to clear the damaged ambulance.
The accident has reignited concerns about Goa’s crumbling road infrastructure, with critics pointing out that if even emergency vehicles cannot be driven safely, ordinary commuters remain at constant risk.
