Panaji: Four workers died on the spot and five sustained serious injuries when a company bus crashed into temporary tin sheds, in a major mishap that occured post 11pm on Saturday.
The workers, engaged with a private contractor in sewage construction work at the IDC, were resting in their makeshift homes.
Witnesses reported that the bus, coming down a mini slope, failed to make a turn and crashed straight into the sheds. The driver, allegedly drunk, was seen continuing to drink by the roadside until the police and Ambulance arrived at the scene. However, officials have yet to confirm the driver’s intoxication.
The Verna police have cordoned off the area. South SP Sunita Sawant has confirmed the deaths and stated the injured driver was too injured in the mishap.
"Five injured workers and the driver were taken straight to the hospital where blood tests on the driver was also conducted to confirm if he was drunk. A report is awaited," she said speaking to The Goan.
SP Sawant and the Verna police are currently at the site to take a further stock of the situation.
Witnesses claim two of the five workers may have suffered fractures or serious cuts from the tin sheets.
Night shift workers from nearby companies rushed to the scene to assist. Miraculously, the staff of Rose Berger company, in the bus escaped unharmed.
