Slab crashes;two children trapped, safe
HERALD REPORTER
VASCO, MAY 3
Two children, including a one-and-half year old child, had a miraculous escape, when a dilapidated slab came crashing down on them at Baina-Vasco on Monday morning.
According to reports, the incident occurred when Ajay Hanumantha Saunoor (10) along with his sister, Saroja, were playing near the 50-year-old Marina Bar and restaurant, which has been abandoned after the demolition of infamous Baina red light area.
Suddenly, a portion of the dilapidated slab gave way and both children got trapped under the debris.
Sources informed that lifeguard of Drishti Special Response Service and staff of H2O Water Sports swung into action and removed both the trapped children and rushed them to Chicalim Cottage Hospital.
Saroja escaped unhurt, while Ajay, who sustained some head injures, was later discharged after undergoing a CT scan later in the evening.
Eye witnesses claimed that it was a miraculous escape for both the children, who escaped without any major injuries.
In order to ensure that no one was trapped inside the collapsed slab, Vasco fire brigade personnel checked the inside portion of the collapsed slab.
Speaking to Herald, business partner of the bar, Elisabao Fernandes, said the bar was not maintained properly after the demolition of red light area.
“The operations were closed down in the hope that once the beach is developed, we could resume the business,” said Fernandes.
“Since the structure is situated close to the sea, it got ruined faster, as iron rods of the building were corroded. We had recently applied for the structural repairs at the engineers’ instruction, but the council permitted us only to plaster it. In fact, it has to be demolished completely,” added Fernandes.
However, Fernandes feared that portion of the slab on the right side of the bar is also in dilapidated condition, which needs to be demolished otherwise it could lead to another accident.
