Team Herald
PANJIM: The absconding driver and cleaner of the container truck, involved in the fatal crash on the Corlim-Old Goa highway on Monday, appeared before the local police for investigation, even as three persons injured in the accident remain critical.
Shanal Peter Pereira (38), who was driving the ill-fated car, Rupa Pereira (35) and Saurabh Bhoir (38) continue to remain critical while Savia (17) and Shannon Pereira (2) are under observation.
Meanwhile, driver Ganesh Ghure of Sholapur and cleaner Mahadev Sabal of Belgaum who had fled from the accident scene soon after the accident, appeared before Old Goa police on Tuesday and their statements were recorded. “They testified before the investigation sleuths,” Sub Divisional Police Officer Nelson Albuquerque said.
The Maruti Suzuki SX4 had crossed the lane and went on the right side of the highway where it hit two pedestrians and then rammed into the oncoming container truck. The impact of the collision was such that the car was destroyed killing three of its eight occupants, and two pedestrians.
Mumbai-based Pereira and Bhoir families were enroute to Panjim from Ponda when the accident occurred at around 4pm. Natalie Pereira (60), Vrushali Bhoir (35), her daughter Manshree Bhoir (4 years); and Luis Minguel Menezes (48) and Ida Queroz (55) lost their lives in the accident. Albuquerque said that autopsies on the deceased were carried out on Tuesday, and the bodies will be handed over to their respective families on Wednesday.
CCTV footage indicates rash driving on the part of the car driver based on which a case has been registered. However, no survivors are in a position to give their statement to the police.
