PANAJI
Not even a week that seven persons lost their lives to accidents within 72 hours, the State recorded five accidents in the last 12 hours - fortunately non-fatal - once again raising concern about road safety and traffic discipline.
The first incident occurred near Ajoba Temple in Siolim when a Delhi-registered car crashed into an electricity pole. The driver fled the scene but witnesses alleged he was under the influence of alcohol. The accident led to power outage in the vicinity that lasted for about five hours.
Another accident in Anjuna followed at 1am wherein a car collided with a police vehicle before veering off into a nullah. Eyewitnesses stated that the driver reversed the vehicle and lost control, resulting in the car plunging into the water.
A rental car on the wrong side of the road collided with a scooter at Verla-Canca. The rider was critically injured and sent for medical soon thereafter.
This morning, a car was involved in a serious collision on the old Mandovi Bridge. The driver attempted to overtake another vehicle but ended up crashing into oncoming traffic. Three bike-borne riders and pillion riders were injured. A major traffic jam ensued during the busy hours in Porvorim and Panaji.
The State has already recorded over 2000 accidents so far, 200 fatalities and a similar number of serious injuries.
DGP Alok Kumar has been quoted saying that accidents this year have reduced by 5 per cent, compared to 2023, while fatalities remain the same. A total of 6496 driving licenses have been suspended so far.
