PERNEM
A couple from Sal-Madhalawada in Bicholim taluka died on the spot after their scooter and a truck collided with each other on the NH66 in Mahakhajan-Dhargal on Monday morning.
The deceased have been identified as Ramchandra Raut (63) and his wife, Reshma (53). The couple had visited the Pernem area for some work and met with the fatal accident while returning to their village.
According to reports, the mishap took place at about 11 am as a truck and a two-wheeler were both heading towards Mapusa.
On reaching Mahakhajan, the truck struck the two-wheeler travelling ahead of it. Following the impact, the two-wheeler was dragged under the truck. The couple sustained severe injuries and were admitted to the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa. However, both passed away while undergoing treatment.
The accident caused a major traffic jam on the National Highway for some time.
Upon receiving news of the incident, the Pernem police rushed to the scene and conducted the panchnama. The police later restored traffic flow on the highway and arrested the truck driver, Lakshadeep Chalvadi (23), a native of Karnataka but residing at Pedem-Mapusa in this connection. Further investigation is underway under the guidance of Police Sub-Inspector Pravin Simepurushkar
Ramchandra Raut had retired as a conductor from the Kadamba Transport Corporation.
As he was actively involved in social and religious activities of Sal village in Bicholim taluka, a pall of gloom has descended upon the village following his sudden demise.
President of 'Mission for Local' Rajan Korgaonkar later visited the accident site on learning of the fatal mishap.
Speaking to reporters, Korgaonkar remarked that the stretch of the National Highway from Patradevi to Dhargal-Mahakhajan has become extremely dangerous. He demanded the immediate identification of 'black spots'—areas prone to frequent accidents—and the deployment of traffic police at these locations.
He further urged authorities to curb accidents by constructing flyovers and implementing other necessary safety measures where required.
