MAPUSA
Two minors sustained serious injuries after an Omni van carrying four occupants crashed into an electricity pole at Assagao on Sunday afternoon, allegedly after its steering locked while descending a road near Ghateshwar temple.
The injured have been identified as Veer Talwar (15) and Safal Safalya (16), both residents of Khorlim.
Veer suffered severe injuries to both legs and was shifted from Mapusa District Hospital to Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), Bambolim, for further treatment.
Safal, who sustained fractures, was discharged after receiving treatment.
The van’s driver and another student also sustained minor injuries and were discharged.
According to police, the accident occurred around 2.15 pm when the van was proceeding towards Assagao.
After passing Ghateshwar temple, the steering reportedly locked while the vehicle was descending, causing the driver to lose control before the van rammed into an electricity pole by the roadside.
The impact trapped the two minors inside the vehicle.
Passers-by and motorists rushed to their rescue and managed to pull them out before Mapusa fire personnel arrived. The injured were subsequently shifted to Mapusa district hospital by ambulance.
The accident has renewed concerns over the safety of children travelling in private vehicles, particularly during school and college commutes, and the need to ensure that vehicles are operated safely and within their permitted passenger capacity.
Concerns also persist over parents transporting two or more children on two-wheelers, often amid heavy morning traffic.
The Assagao crash has once again drawn attention to the need for greater vigilance and enforcement to prevent unsafe practices that could put young passengers at risk.
