MARGAO
The Goa Women’s Forum (GWF) has demanded an inquiry into the death of a senior woman citizen in a bus accident at Betalbatim last week.
GWF Convenor Lorna Fernandes and Secretary Ramona Almeida submitted a memorandum to Assistant Director of Transport (Enforcement, South), Nixon N. Pires Soares, seeking a probe into the incident and steps to improve the safety of bus passengers and pedestrians. Copies of the memorandum were also sent to Additional Director of Transport (South) Rajesh Naik, the Transport Secretary, Director of Health Services, Director of Social Welfare, and DySP Traffic Rajendra Prabhudesai.
The GWF delegation called for a detailed investigation to establish the circumstances of the accident. Such an inquiry, they said, would help ensure strong action against the bus driver, due compensation for the victim’s family, and preventive measures to avoid similar accidents in future.
The Forum raised several questions before the Assistant Director of Transport, including:
- When was the bus last checked and certified by the Directorate of Transport to operate on this route?
- Did the bus driver drop the woman at a notified bus stop?
- Is there a footpath for passengers to walk safely after getting off buses on this route?
- At what speed was the bus travelling when the accident occurred, and are speed limits notified for roads under the Betalbatim Panchayat?
- How long did it take for the 108 ambulance to arrive, and could the victim’s life have been saved within the “golden hour”?
- Under which sections has the driver been booked by the police after arrest?
- What action will the RTA take against the bus owner under the Motor Vehicles Act and Rules?
