SANGUEM
A BMW car with Maharashtra registration plunged into the Selaulim canal at Nagvem ward of Molcornem village panchayat in Quepem taluka on Saturday evening, raising fresh concerns over safety along the canal stretch.
All three occupants of the vehicle escaped unhurt. According to sources, they acted quickly and managed to get out of the car safely after opening the doors, preventing a potential tragedy.
Preliminary information suggests that the driver lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a narrow road adjacent to the canal, causing the car to veer off the road and fall into the water.
The Selaulim canal, which carries water from the Selaulim Dam, is a vital irrigation source for agricultural areas in parts of South Goa.
This is the second such incident reported within a fortnight. A rent-a-car had earlier fallen into the canal near Pope John School in Quepem. In another case, a cow had slipped into the canal and was later rescued safely.
The recurring incidents have renewed concerns among local residents, who have long demanded the installation of protective barriers along the canal. They pointed out that several accidents, including fatal ones, have occurred due to the absence of adequate safety measures.
Currently, safety barriers have been installed only along a limited stretch at Cotarli village in Sanguem, leaving most parts of the canal exposed.
Locals have urged authorities to take immediate action, warning that further delays could lead to more serious accidents, posing risks to both human lives and livestock.
