The tragic death of prominent der matologist Dr Marcia Rosa Pacheco D’Sou za, 70, in a lift mishap at a resi dential complex in Colva on Thursday night has sent shockwaves across Goa, with many expressing grief and disbelief over the sudden and horrific nature of the incident. Dr Marcia, a resident of Chandravaddo, Fatorda, was a well-known figure in Goa’s medical fraterni ty, having earlier served at Hospi cio Hospital in Margao. She was also the Medical Superintendent of TB Hospital. She was widely respected in med ical and social circles and was also actively associated with church and community activities. Tributes poured in on Friday from former patients, friends and mem bers of the public mourning her demise.
According to Colva police, an unnatural death case bearing UD No 23/2026 under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) was reg istered at 1.46 am on May 15 after police received a medical memo from the on-duty medical officer at the South Goa District Hos pital (SGDH), Margao, stat ing that the victim had been brought dead to the casualty department at 10.10 pm on Thursday. As per the enquiry con ducted by Colva police, Dr Marcia had gone to meet a friend at Reliance Park, Col va, on Thursday night. Po lice stated that she opened the lift gate and entered before the lift had reached floor level. According to the enquiry, the lift then came down and struck her, trapping her in the lift shaft area. She reportedly sus tained severe injuries in the mishap. Police further stated that personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services, along with local residents, rescued her by breaking open the lift structure. She was shifted to SGDH by a 108 ambulance service, where doctors declared her brought dead. The post-mortem examination was conducted on Friday, following which the body was handed over to the family. The incident has also raised questions over the function ing and safety mechanisms of the lift, particularly how the lift gate could reportedly be opened even when the lift cab in had not reached the floor level. The mishap has renewed concerns over maintenance standards and safety checks in residential buildings. Police said further investigations into the incident are in progress.
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The enquiry is being conducted by PSI Anil T Kr ishna of Colva Police Station. Reacting to the tragic news, Nuvem MLA, Aleixo Sequeira said “Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Marcia Rosa Pacheco D’Souza. She touched countless lives through her compassion, dedication, and years of service to the people of Goa, including her time as Medical Superintendent of the TB Hospital. She will be remembered with great respect and warmth by all who knew her.” “My heartfelt condolences to her beloved husband Col John DSouza, Son Noel and other family members, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” he added. Dr Marcia is survived by her husband, Col John D’Souza, and son Noel D’Souza. Her funeral will take place on Sat urday evening at Our Lady of Rosary Church, Fatorda, fol lowed by burial at Holy Spirit Cemetery, Margao.
