Goa Woman Faces Multiple Charges After Drunk Driving Incident Involving Ambulance
In a serious incident on Thursday evening, Verna police in Goa registered a formal offence against a 33-year-old woman who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol when her vehicle collided with an ambulance. The crash occurred on the Verna–Pirni bypass at approximately 9:15 pm, raising significant safety concerns.
Details of the Accused and the Collision
Police have identified the accused as Zenobia Zora Chaco, a resident of St Jacinto island. According to authorities, Chaco was operating her car in a rash and negligent manner when it rammed into the ambulance. The ambulance was at the time transporting three newborns and their mothers from the Goa Medical College (GMC) to the South Goa district hospital in Margao, a critical journey for medical care.
Verna Police Inspector Anand Shirodkar stated that Chaco was allegedly “under the influence of alcohol” during the accident, which prompted immediate legal action. The police have filed charges under multiple sections to address the severity of the incident.
Legal Charges Filed Against the Driver
The Verna police have registered offences under the following provisions:
- Section 281 of the BNS for rash and negligent driving.
- Section 125 of the BNS for a rash and negligent act endangering human life.
- Section 125(a) of the BNS for a rash and negligent act causing hurt.
- Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act for driving under the influence of alcohol.
These charges highlight the legal repercussions for such dangerous behavior on public roads.
Injuries and Traffic Disruption
Fortunately, the three newborns and their mothers escaped unhurt in the collision, which could have had tragic consequences given the fragile state of the infants. However, the ambulance’s paramedical staff sustained minor injuries, as confirmed by police reports. The accident also led to significant traffic congestion on both sides of the highway, disrupting normal flow and causing delays for other motorists.
This incident underscores the critical importance of responsible driving, especially in scenarios involving emergency vehicles. Authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure full accountability and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
