Canacona: Two cousins lost their lives in a road accident on Wednesday evening when an interstate bus collided with their two-wheeler at a blind curve on NH66 at Paddi in Quepem taluka.
The accident has cast a pall of gloom over Gokuldem village, as residents mourn the loss of two young lives. Villagers expressed anger and frustration over the state government’s inaction despite repeated calls to widen the accident-prone stretch.
“There are nearly 50 blind curves on the 20-km Cuncolim-Gulem road. PWD has worsened this stretch instead of rectifying the issues,” said social activist Anil Bhagat.
Locals accused the PWD Highways Department of ignoring the region’s long-standing demands. “This particular spot has seen at least six accidents in the last year. Besides an accident-prone warning board — now obscured by tree branches — nothing has been done,” said a resident.
A visit by this reporter to the stretch found that bus stops situated dangerously close to curves, and roadside trees — many dead or dying — pose additional hazards. Ongoing trenching for cable laying along the route has further degraded road safety.
According to police sources, the victims — rider Sandesh Suresh Gaonkar (26) and pillion rider Dilip Molu Velip (38), both residents of Paddi, Quepem — were heading towards Balli when the bus, travelling towards Canacona, hit their scooter on the narrow turn around 8.30 pm. The impact flung both men off the vehicle, allegedly against the crash barrier, causing fatal injuries. Velip died on the spot, while
Gaonkar succumbed to his injuries at the South Goa District Hospital during transfer to Goa Medical College.
The driver of the bus, Rajesh Shivally, a resident of Sirvoi, Quepem, allegedly fled the scene after briefly halting, reportedly under pressure from passengers to continue the journey. Karnataka Police intercepted the bus at Yellapur, and the vehicle was brought to the Cuncolim Police Station. Shivally was arrested for rash and negligent driving, and for failing to provide medical aid or inform police.
The mortal remains of both victims were handed over to their families after post-mortem, and the final rites were held Thursday evening.
The case is under investigation by PSI Aditya Anant Sawant.
