PANJIM: The first day of the New Year took a tragic toll on Goans as four fatal accidents occurred within a span of mere hours, leaving several families shattered and communities in mourning. The hope and optimism of the first day of the New Year among people across the State was short-lived after the joy was abruptly replaced by grief as news of the accidents that unfolded in span of hours.
The first incident, wherein Ayush Halankar (21), son of ex-CCP Councillor Rupesh Halankar died after he plunged into dangerous trench left open by Smart City contractor opposite People’’s High School at Mala. The absence of proper barricades or warning signs around the pit proved to be a fatal oversight, leading to the unfortunate accident.
The Smart City initiative, aimed at urban development and infrastructure enhancement, inadvertently became the backdrop for this heart-breaking incident.
Yet another fatal incident at Muslimwada-Bhoma, where 31-year-old Pratim Bora from Assam lost his life in a motorcycle accident. The unfortunate incident occurred when he lost control of his bike, colliding with an electricity pole. Bora succumbed to his injuries on the spot, and despite immediate efforts, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Ponda Sub District hospital.
The third incident occurred in Taleigao, involving a collision between two scooters. Both riders suffered grievous injuries. One of the victims died on the spot due to the head-on collision while the other victim is undergoing treatment.
In the fourth incident, which occurred in Valpoi, a collision between a four-wheeler and a two-wheeler killed motorcycle rider, Ulhas Gaonkar, a resident of Dongurli-Thane, Sattari. He was declared dead at Goa Medical College.
The New Year, which began with a sense of hope and renewal, has been marred by these horrendous events, serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the need for collective efforts to ensure the safety of everyone on the roads.
