Senior citizen was on her way to meet her son in Wadala for Christmas; Kasturba Marg police files case, books driver; the cab met with an accident near Magathane Metro Station on the Western Express Highway in which the woman suffered fatal injuries, said police, adding that the driver was also injured
The cab met with an accident near Magathane Metro Station. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
A 66-year-old woman, Jacinta D’Souza, tragically lost her life in a road accident allegedly caused by the cab driver who appeared drowsy while driving. Police said the incident occurred on Monday (December 21) when Jacinta, a resident of Vasai West, was travelling from Vasai to Wadala.
She was on her way to meet her son, Edward D’Souza, 37. Edward, who is a ship captain, had recently returned to Mumbai to celebrate Christmas with his family. He had booked the cab for his mother at around 7.30 am on Monday morning. The cab met with an accident near Magathane Metro Station on the Western Express Highway in which the woman suffered fatal injuries, said police, adding that the driver, identified as Sunal Pal, was also injured.
Deceased Jacinta D’Souza
According to the police, before the accident, Jacinta reportedly called her son three times and informed him that the driver was not driving properly and seemed sleepy. In connection with the incident, the Kasturba Marg Police have registered an FIR against the cab driver and initiated an investigation. Speaking to mid-day, Edward said, “I had booked a cab for my mother for the long journey from Vasai to Wadala on December 21. During the journey, my mother called me several times and said that the cab driver appeared sleepy and was not driving properly.”
“The cab driver had also taken a break during the journey to refill CNG before the accident. Even after that, my mother again called me and said the driver looked drowsy. I told my mother to keep talking to the driver so that he would stay alert. That was my last conversation with her.” “My mother suffered serious head injuries and was rushed to a local hospital, where she was declared dead during treatment,” Edward said.
Expressing anguish, Edward added, “As a sailor, I know the importance of proper rest before operating any vehicle. My mother had even told the driver to stop and rest if he was feeling sleepy before continuing the journey. Cab companies must monitor their drivers and ensure they are not driving beyond permissible hours just to earn more money. I have lost my mother, but no one else should lose their loved one due to such negligence.”
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