In what seemed like a near-fatal collision yesterday on CHOGM Road, Sangolda, a speeding tourist car while overtaking near the Desai Cashew shop and Liquor Mart, collided with an oncoming 24 seater tourist bus. The bus driver, a resident of Goa, had the presence of mind to swerve off the road. Despite this, the impact badly damaged the car and bus on the driver’s side.
Had it not been for the bus drivers presence of mind, the accident could have proven fatal for the car driver. The bus veered off the road and landed on its side. Fortunately to break its fall were bushes and trees that helped the passengers to come out unscathed.
While talking to the bus driver, he seemed shaken and said that if he had not swerved the way he did, the car driver would have been fatally hit. The bus owner, Xavier Baretto off Amigos Tours and Travels, Panjim, who was present at the site said that the bus driver had never met with an accident before. The bus driver, though shaken seemed to be alert and in his senses.
The Karnataka registered car owner, a Sikh, had his family in the car. An aged mother and wife. They were totally shaken and transferred to another vehicle soon after. According to sources, the Sikh was said to be driving under the influence of alcohol.
It was a miraculous escape for the driver of the Suzuki Ertiga and around 24 tourists in the bus who escaped unhurt.
