Ex-Serviceman Gilbert Braganza escapes miraculously in a serious road accident

By Eugene DSouza
Pics By Anil Alva
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 02 Nov 2017: Gilbert Braganza, ex-Serviceman of the Indian Army, presently serving as the Principal of St. Mary’s ITI, Udupi and President of Ex-Servicemen’s Forum of Udupi District had a miraculous escape in a serious road accident involving his WagonR car which he was driving and a 407 Tipper with heavy load of stones near the junction of Moodubelle-Padubelle cross road at about 4 pm on Wednesday, 1 November 2017.

 

Gilber Braganza was returning to his home at Belvai after visiting  his senior Ex-Serviceman colleague Commodore Jerome Castelino and his wife Mrs. Rose Castelino residing at Vanasourabha on the Moodubelle-Padubelle Road. 

 

The accident took place as Gilbert Braganza took the right turn at the Moodubelle-Padubelle Road junction as the oncoming Tipper hit the WagonR on its right side. The impact was so forceful that, according to one of the eye witnesses, the car swirled twice and the left side of the car  banged the electric pole in front of the bus stand. The impact of the Tipper on the right side and that of the electric pole on the left side of the car caused severe damage on both sides of the car. 

 

Fortunately for Gilbert Braganza, though he was in a terrible shock and could not understand what has happened, was conscious and escaped with minor injuries on his left elbow and right ribs. He was helped by the passersby  to come out of the badly mangled car and was rushed to the local dispensary where he was provided first aid. 

As the news of the accident spread across Moodubelle, a large number of people gathered at the accident site. The Police were informed who rushed to the spot immediately and adviced Gilbert Braganza to lodge a complaint at the Shirva Police Station.

 

The Moodubelle-Padubelle Cross Road Junction has been prone to accidents as those vehicles coming from the Moodubelle-Padubelle Cross Road and moving either towards Udupi or Moodubelle township do not have a clear view of the fast moving vehicles on the main road. The steep slope of the cross road causes a lot of inconvenience to the vehicle movement. 

 

In order to prevent accidents at this spot in future, it is suggested  that the concerned authorities should put in place speed breakers on both sides of the crossing on the main road.

Recounting the accident on the previous day to this reporter, Gilbert Braganza said that he did not stop thanking the Almighty God for saving him from the jaws of death and also from any serious injury. Further he said that the good will of his well-wishers towards him saw him through the accident. With humility, Gilbert Braganza said that God has given him a second life and he will continue to serve the society and community with greater sincerity and dedication. 

 

Gilbert Braganza had served in the Technical department of the Indian Army for 20 years. He was posted at various parts in Northern India such as the border areas of Punjab, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir. He retired from service after the Kargil Operations in 1999 with the rank of  Junior Commissioned Officer. 

 

Soon after retirement, Gilbert Braganza joined St. Mary’s ITI, Udupi as its Principal and has been serving the institution till today. He has been serving as the President of Ex-Servicemen’s Forum of Udupi District since 2009. The Ex-Servicemen’s Forum works for the welfare of the Ex-Servicemen and their families. One of the important services of this Forum  has been to pay last respect and homage during the funeral of the Ex-Servicemen by placing the national flag on their body. Recently, on 27 October 2017, Gilbert Braganza had paid tribute to Ex-Serviceman of Moodubelle, late Alex D’Almedia.