Post by : Maya Rahman

A horrific accident occurred in Arunachal Pradesh, where 18 labourers from Assam’s Tinsukia district lost their lives when the truck they were in plunged into a deep gorge along the Hayuliang–Chaglagam route, near the Indo-China border. This tragedy unfolded on the night of December 8, but it only came to light two days later when the lone survivor managed to sound the alarm.

Millo Kojin, the Deputy Commissioner of Anjaw, confirmed the tragedy, noting that 18 individuals have been confirmed dead, while three are still unaccounted for as rescue teams navigate the rugged mountainous terrain in search of them.

Reports indicate that the labourers were aboard a dumper employed for a local construction project when the vehicle veered off course and plummeted almost 1,000 feet into the gorge. This area is exceedingly remote, situated over 10,000 feet above sea level.

Rescue teams have located several bodies trapped within the damaged vehicle, with others scattered along the hillside, thrown out as the truck tumbled down. The lone survivor has sustained serious head and facial injuries and is currently being transported to Assam for medical attention.

The incident went underreported initially due to the region's remoteness. Survivor Budheswor Deep managed to reach the Chipra GREF camp and subsequently contacted his family, enabling authorities to learn of the tragedy. His alert initiated a comprehensive search operation involving both the military and local government.

Lt Col Mahender Rawat, Defence PRO, stated that the Indian Army's Spear Corps commenced rescue operations late on December 10. At dawn on Thursday, various teams including army personnel, medical teams, NDRF, local police, GREF officials, and district officials were dispatched.

Rawat noted that the challenging terrain complicated the mission. After an intense four-hour search and rope descent, the truck was eventually spotted about 200 meters down the road, concealed by dense vegetation. So far, 18 bodies have been recovered, and efforts continue using ropes and specialized gear.

Coordination is occurring between officials from both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Investigations are also underway regarding the sub-contractor involved to verify the number and identities of the labourers. A team from Tinsukia has been deployed to assist in verification and support the bereaved families.

In response to the tragedy, the Prime Minister has expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives and has promised financial aid for the victims’ families. Under the PMNRF, Rs. 2 lakh will be allocated to each deceased's next of kin and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. This tragic incident has spurred concerns regarding safety on this hazardous high-altitude route, one of the most treacherous in the region.

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