PANAJI: One person was killed, and two others sustained serious injuries after a Ford EcoSport caught fire following a self-accident on National Highway 66 near the Holy Cross Shrine (Fulancho Khuris) at Siridao, Bambolim, in the early hours of Saturday.
The accident occurred at around 4 am when the vehicle, bearing registration number GA 08 M 7001, was travelling from Panaji towards Margao. According to preliminary information, the driver allegedly lost control of the speeding vehicle, which crashed into the highway crash barrier before veering onto the service road.
The impact triggered a fire in the engine compartment, and within minutes the vehicle was engulfed in flames.
Three occupants were inside the car at the time of the accident. One of them was trapped inside the burning vehicle and died at the scene, while the other two managed to escape with serious injuries. They were rescued and shifted to the Goa Medical College (GMC), Bambolim, for treatment.
The Goa Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), Panaji Fire Station, received the alert at 4.01 am and rushed to the spot. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and assisted in the rescue operation.
Agacaim Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Preliminary inquiries suggest the crash may have been caused by the driver losing control of the vehicle, though police are also examining other possibilities, including driver fatigue. The exact cause of the accident will be determined after the investigation.
