PERNEM
A driver had a lucky escape when a tanker carrying chemical fell into the river at Mopa-Ugave on Friday night.
According to sources, the mishap took place as a tanker carrying chemicals from Maharashtra was proceeding to Panaji.
The driver saw and oncoming vehicle and steered the vehicle towards the side near the Kadashi Mopa Ugave river bridge.
Work is currently underway on the National Highway near this bridge and the road is narrow.
The driver lost control of the tanker and the vehicle fell into the river at about 10.30 pm.
Acting swiftly, the driver jumped out of the vehicle and clung on to the railing of the bridge. Some locals, including Prashant Dhuri, Prashant Asolkar and Bhau Samant, witnessed the accident and rushed to rescue the driver.
Locals recalled that a month ago, a similar accident had happened at the same spot and a goods truck had fallen into the river.
“At that time, we had demanded signboards in the area, but the PWD did not pay any heed to our demands,” claimed a local.
“This is a National Highway and there should be signboards. At night, drivers do not have any idea of the road and accidents take place. An iron railing or barricade needs to be constructed here temporarily,” demanded former sarpanch and sitting Panch Dayanand Gawandi.
