CANACONA
A frequently ruptured water pipeline has turned into an accident-prone zone for motorists on the highway at Gulem-Canacona.
A number of motorists, especially two-wheelers, are reported to have fallen into the trench on account of constant repairs to the pipeline, while other vehicles have also narrowly missed colliding with oncoming vehicles.
“This site is a death trap for sure, especially since motorists cannot spot this trench after dusk there are no traffic lights. Motorists plying towards Canacona tend to move on the wrong side of the road to avoid the trench and face the danger of being struck by oncoming vehicles,” informed a motorist.
Recently, three persons were injured after falling from their two-wheelers.
A person from Gulem-Canacona suffered head injuries in a recent mishap and had to undergo a surgery at the GMC hospital. In another mishap, two persons suffered injuries after their two-wheeler went into the trench.
According to sources, PWD (water supply) staff are often seen working to repair the water pipeline which frequently gets ruptured. The trench is not covered properly and this leads to further damage to the pipeline.
To make matters worse, water flows from the damaged pipeline and covers the trench, making it even more difficult for motorists to spot the trench even in the day.
“This section of the highway has already witnessed a series of accidents in the past and the PWD’s failure to find a permanent solution is unacceptable. I was in my vehicle and while trying to avoid the trench, narrowly missed hitting an oncoming truck near Sudarshan Hotel at Gulem,” said a car driver.
