Team Goemkarponn
DABOLIM: In a shocking incident, a tourist taxi – a Maruti Ertiga – fell into a pit excavated near Dabolim Junction for the ongoing flyover construction project. Fortunately, all occupants escaped unhurt.
According to sources, the taxi had just picked up two tourists from Dabolim Airport and was en route to Agonda when the mishap occurred around 7:20 AM on Wednesday. The vehicle, along with the passengers, plunged into the open pit. Fortunately, the car’s airbags deployed in time, preventing any injuries. The tourists were immediately shifted to another vehicle and continued their journey to Agonda.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another mishap in the same area, where the contractor allegedly damaged an active fuel pipeline during construction work.
Local residents have expressed serious concerns over the contractor’s safety measures and have demanded immediate intervention from government agencies. They insist that proper barricading and safety norms must be enforced at the site to prevent further accidents.
“This is an eye-opener. The contractor must take urgent steps to improve safety. If it had been a two-wheeler instead of a car, the consequences could have been fatal. The pit is visible during the day, but the risk multiplies at night. Development is necessary, but safety cannot be compromised,” said a local resident.
With the pit remaining open on the highway side, residents fear further mishaps if immediate action is not taken. Authorities are urged to step in before another accident occurs.