Team Herald
SIOLIM: Siolim was shaken once again by a hit-and-run accident, marking the second such case in just one week. This latest incident occurred on the Mapusa Housing Board Siolim Marna shortcut route on Wednesday, when a mother and son were struck and dragged by a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) for approximately 50 metres,
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leading to multiple injuries for both.
Around 2.30 pm, 45-year-old Bertha Perreira from Igrejwaddo, Marna-Siolim, was traveling with her 13-year-old son, Aaron, on their two-wheeler en route to a football coaching class in Mapusa when the accident occurred. The MPV, registered in Margao and driven by 20-year-old Honey Chawla from Nagpur, collided with the duo after Chawla attempted to overtake a vehicle, veering into the wrong lane.
The force of the collision caused Bertha and Aaron to be dragged for about 50 metres. Aaron sustained bruises and skin abrasions, while Bertha suffered injuries to her ankle and knee. She also reported feeling dizzy and unable to walk. A family member confirmed that Bertha would be transferred to a private hospital for further treatment.
Following the accident, the accused driver fled the scene without reporting the incident to the authorities or seeking medical help for the victims. Prior to the collision, the MPV is said to have also struck two oncoming vehicles, including a truck. Both the MPV and the two-wheeler sustained damage.
Anjuna Police responded promptly and tracked down Chawla, leading to his arrest. It was revealed that there were six occupants in the vehicle, including four girls, at the time of the accident. The injured were initially taken to Siolim Primary Health Centre and later transferred to North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa for further treatment.
A large crowd gathered at the Anjuna Police Station, demanding strict action against the accused. The police have registered an offence under Sections 281 and 125(a) of the BNS Act, as well as Sections 134(a) and (b) of the Motor Vehicle Act, for rash and negligent driving and overspeeding.
This is the second hit-and-run incident to occur in Siolim within a week. A similar accident last Tuesday left the victim, Judith, with grievous injuries. The police also confirmed that the tourists involved in that accident were on holiday in Goa and heading towards Morjim.
At the time of reporting, the accused had not undergone a medical examination, and the victim had not yet received a copy of the FIR. Authorities noted that, as the offense is bailable, Chawla could be released within 24 hours if all bail conditions are met.
