Team Goemkarponn
DABOLIM: A motorist had a narrow escape after a portion of a large advertisement hoarding collapsed onto his motorcycle near Dabolim Airport on Tuesday, leaving him injured and triggering fresh concerns over the safety of hoardings installed close to the highway.
The motorist, Omkar Sawant, was riding towards the airport when a portion of the hoarding suddenly fell onto his motorcycle. He reportedly lost control and crashed, sustaining injuries to his legs, hands and shoulder.
Eyewitnesses said the falling structure appeared to have narrowly missed Sawant’s head, with his helmet reportedly helping protect him from a potentially serious injury.
The incident has also renewed questions over the installation, maintenance and structural safety of large advertisement hoardings along busy highways.
Social activist Xankar Polgi demanded immediate action against those responsible for permitting such structures. He claimed that he had repeatedly warned authorities about the condition and potential danger posed by the hoardings and had submitted appeals and videos highlighting the risk.
Polgi said warnings had been given to the concerned panchayat, NHAI Project Director, MLAs and other authorities, but alleged that no effective action was taken.
He demanded that all large hoardings located close to the highway be inspected and, where necessary, removed immediately. He also called for accountability and a safety audit of advertisement structures in the Dabolim area.
The incident has raised concern among motorists and locals, who urged authorities to verify whether such hoardings have the necessary permissions and comply with structural and safety norms.
Locals said the collapse could have resulted in a major tragedy had the structure fallen directly on a passing motorist or pedestrian, and called for an immediate inspection of hoardings along the highway.
