It was indeed a tragic accident which left four persons dead after the car they were travelling in plunged into the Zuari River.
During this time numerous people were seen watching the operation from the bridge and also from close quarters. Many of them were seen clicking photos and recording on their mobile phones as if it was a melodrama that was unfolding.
This must be regarded as disrespect to the deceased persons. In other countries the scene of a crime or an accident is immediately cordoned off.
Such a restriction is not seen in Goa where the public seem to have easy access to the scene of the crime or the accident.
Firstly, the scene should be cordoned off, and no uninvolved parties allowed inside the demarcated area. Only emergency personnel, official investigators and police personnel should be allowed.
Gathering facts will be easier if the accident scene is not altered. It is necessary to guard the scene of the crime/accident in order to protect the public, to control onlookers, to prevent unauthorized interference with the investigation and to facilitate the operation of the emergency services and other agencies.
