The truck driver, who was on the run after a packed car rammed into the huge vehicle killing five persons during the busy evening hours of Monday, appeared before the Goa police claiming innocence. Sholapur-based Ganesh along with his cleaner, who hails from Belgaum testified before the Old Goa police team justifying why they ran away from the accident spot.
Three of a total eight car occupants ~ four-year-old Manshri Bhoir, her middle-aged mother Vrushali, senior citizen Natalie Pereira; and two pedestrians Luis Menezes and Ida Queroz met the tragic fate when the Maruti SX4 driven by NRI Shanal Pereira lost control on the Old Goa highway. PI Gurudas Kadam informed that the speeding car switched over to next lane hitting Menezes and Queroz, who were standing by the road side. The car then rammed into oncoming container truck.
“The driver and the cleaner ran away from the spot fearing mob attack. They appeared for recording of statement today where they have denied violating any traffic rule. They are likely to be called for questioning again but as of now, they are not the accused in the case,” a police officer said.
Originally from Mumbai, the Pereira family comprising of husband, wife, two children and grandmother had shifted to Goa in 2013. Police said they had recently moved from a rented premise to their own bungalow. The Bhoir couple and their infant, on the other hand were in Goa to visit them.
Five other car occupants are admitted to the government-owned Goa medical college and hospital, of whom three including the driver are in critical condition.
The State has witnessed four fatal accidents in just three days, killing nine persons. Concerned over the disturbing trend, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar held a review meeting on the traffic scenario. The Goa police has proposed two interceptor cars, 14 vehicles, 28 alco meters and 14 speed radar guns for effective implementation of the traffic laws.
The traffic manpower shortage will also be solved soon, CM said.

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