PANAJI
A late-night drive ended in tragedy early Saturday when an SUV carrying three teenagers rammed into a crash barrier on NH-66 near Bambolim, burst into flames, and left a 19-year-old passenger dead. Two others escaped with injuries with the police suspecting a case of drunken and reckless driving.
The accident occurred around 3.45 am near Sainik Aramghar as the vehicle was travelling from Panaji towards Goa Velha. Agassaim police said that the SUV, allegedly driven at high speed by Harsh Jain, 18, of Margao, went out of control, hit the crash barrier and veered onto the service road before catching fire.
The driver and the front-seat passenger, Tanish Puri, 18, of Raia, managed to exit the burning vehicle with injuries. But Yash Mehta, 19, of Margao, who was seated in the rear, remained trapped inside. Police said the trio were allegedly returning from a party.
Fire and Emergency Services personnel pulled Mehta from the charred vehicle and rushed him to Goa Medical College Hospital in Bambolim, where he was declared brought dead. The two injured occupants were admitted for treatment.
The police have registered a case and said statements of the injured, including the driver, will be recorded after they are declared medically fit. Police are also verifying the driver’s licence and the vehicle’s registration documents. Police said charges of rash and negligent driving are likely to be invoked based on the findings of the preliminary inquiry.
