A major disaster has struck the remote Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, where a truck carrying daily wage labourers plunged into a deep gorge on the treacherous Hayuliang–Chaglagam road. Authorities fear that at least 22 people were killed in the horrific incident, which occurred while the vehicle was navigating the difficult, hilly terrain near the India-China border. Rescue operations were swiftly launched, but the steep landscape and remote location are severely complicating the process of retrieving bodies and searching for survivors. Initial reports indicate that 13 bodies have been recovered so far.
19 Victims Hailing from Assam’s Tinsukia District
The tragedy has been felt acutely across the border in Assam, as confirmed reports indicate that a vast majority of the victims were migrant labourers. Of the 22 individuals feared dead, 19 labourers are confirmed to be from Assam's Tinsukia district. The labourers were reportedly hired for construction work related to the crucial road projects in the high-altitude border region. Authorities are now coordinating with officials in Assam to formally identify the deceased and ensure timely notification and support for the bereaved families in Tinsukia.
Accident Occurred on Dangerous Hilly Route
The tragic incident highlights the extreme risks associated with traveling and working on the infrastructure development projects in India's frontier regions. The truck was navigating a difficult stretch of road—reportedly between Hayuliang and Chakla—when the driver allegedly lost control. The vehicle tumbled into the deep ravine, leading to widespread damage and the high casualty count. The challenging geographical conditions, marked by narrow passes and steep gradients, are often cited as contributing factors in such fatal accidents in the mountainous state.
Recovery Efforts Hampered by Challenging Terrain
Following the alarm, local authorities, along with disaster response teams, rushed to the site to undertake search and rescue operations. However, the terrain in the Anjaw district, located at a high altitude, presents formidable obstacles. Officials have noted that the sheer depth of the gorge and the inaccessible nature of the crash site have slowed down retrieval efforts significantly. Teams are working tirelessly to recover the remaining victims, navigating unstable slopes and ensuring their own safety while coordinating this difficult operation.
Investigation Underway to Determine Exact Cause
While the immediate cause is attributed to the vehicle losing control on the hilly route, a thorough investigation has been launched by the police and district administration. The inquiry will focus on verifying the exact timeline of the incident, assessing the road conditions, and examining the vehicle's condition to officially determine the sequence of events that led to this catastrophic loss of life. The tragedy has reignited the discussion around stricter safety protocols and better transport management for the thousands of workers engaged in remote border infrastructure projects.
