18 Assam Workers Lose Lives in Arunachal Truck Tragedy

In a heartbreaking incident, 18 workers from Assam’s Tinsukia district perished when their truck careened into a deep gorge along the Hayuliang–Chaglagam road near the Indo-China border in Arunachal Pradesh. The incident occurred late on December 8, but details emerged only two days later thanks to the sole survivor who managed to sound the alarm.

Millo Kojin, the Deputy Commissioner of Anjaw, reported the tragedy's toll of 18 lives lost. Three individuals remain unaccounted for, as teams navigate the challenging mountainous terrain to locate them.

The labourers were traveling in a dumper intended for a local construction project when the vehicle veered off course and plunged nearly 1,000 feet into the gorge. The remote locale sits over 10,000 feet above sea level.

Rescue teams discovered several bodies trapped inside the dilapidated vehicle, while others were found scattered down the slope as the truck cascaded down the steep land. The lone survivor endured serious head and facial injuries and is currently being transported to Assam for medical care.

The accident went unreported initially due to the area's seclusion. Survivor Budheswor Deep reached the Chipra GREF camp and subsequently contacted his family, which alerted authorities to the crisis. His notification instigated a comprehensive search operation by both the Army and local officials.

Lt Col Mahender Rawat, Defence PRO, noted that the Indian Army’s Spear Corps began rescue operations on December 10. Multiple teams, including Army personnel, medical staff, NDRF members, local law enforcement, GREF officials, and district representatives, mobilized at dawn on Thursday.

Rawat highlighted the formidable nature of the terrain, complicating the mission. After four rigorous hours of searching and rope descents, the truck was located approximately 200 metres down the road, obscured by thick foliage and trees. Retrieval efforts continue using ropes and specialized tools, with 18 bodies found thus far.

Coordination is ongoing between officials from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Authorities are also probing the sub-contractor to verify the number and identities of the workers involved. A team from Tinsukia district has been dispatched to offer assistance and support to the victims' families.

The Prime Minister expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives and announced financial support for the victims’ families. Under PMNRF, Rs. 2 lakh will be allocated to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. This incident has sparked safety concerns regarding this perilous high-altitude roadway, recognized as one of the most treacherous in the region.