Senior citizen hit by bus in Margao dies, driver held

Margao: A 67-year-old pedestrian died after being struck by a bus near Old Market Circle in Margao on Friday. The deceased was identified as Joseph Baptista, a resident of Margao.

The incident occurred when Baptista was crossing the road and was hit by a bus. The driver of the bus, Irfan Shaikh, 47, also from Margao, was arrested, police sources said. He was subsequently released on bail.

Police sources said the bus was proceeding from Ravindra Bhavan Margao to KTC bus stand Margao at around 7.30am when the accident occurred. Baptista, while attempting to cross the road, apparently became confused after being caught amidst oncoming vehicles. As he attempted to retreat, police sources said, he was struck by the oncoming bus driven by Shaikh, who allegedly drove the vehicle in a "rash and negligent manner, without proper caution".

Police sources said the bus was used to transport employees of a private company. Baptista succumbed to his injuries at South Goa district hospital Margao.

Fatorda police registered a case under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the bus driver. Further investigation is under way.