Criticism on social media points towards local authorities for negligence
MIDNIGHT SCARE: The rented car that crashed into an under-construction traffic island in Calangute after a tourist couple from Noida followed Google Maps in the dead of night.
A midnight mishap involving a tourist couple from Noida has once again brought to light the poor safety and signage standards at development sites in Goa’s most popular beach destination.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday when the couple, travelling in a rented car, drove straight into an under-construction traffic island on the main Calangute road while following directions on Google Maps. According to the male co-passenger, his friend – a woman – was at the wheel as they were heading towards Baga.
“There were no barricades or warning signs around the site. The place was dimly lit, and before we could realise it, the car had hit the freshly cemented structure,” he said.
Fortunately, both occupants escaped without injuries, though the car suffered significant damage.
The accident immediately sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with many blaming local authorities for negligence.
“There were no warning signs and the area was poorly illuminated. Anyone could have made that mistake,” remarked Anil Palyekar, a netizen. “It’s sheer carelessness by those overseeing road works.”
Others, however, shifted the blame toward careless driving and the growing rent-a-car culture.
“Was the driver not paying attention to the road? Such accidents are becoming frequent because of tourists relying entirely on maps,” said Donald Pinto.
