Itanagar, Dec 13: A large-scale search and retrieval operation was carried out for the second successive day on Dec 12 in Anjaw district after a truck carrying workers from Assam’s Tinsukia district skidded off the Hayuliang-Chaglagam Road and plunged into a deep gorge on Monday last.
Authorities have so far retrieved six bodies, while 21 workers are presumed dead in what is emerging as one of the deadliest road accidents in the region in recent years.
The accident came to light only on Wednesday, two days after the incident, when the lone survivor managed to reach the Chipra GREF camp and raise the alarm. His account prompted an immediate response, with the Army launching a large-scale search and rescue operation on Wednesday night.
The accident site, located approximately 12 km short of Chaglagam near KM 40, lies in a remote, forested stretch notorious for poor road connectivity. Dense tree cover had concealed the wreckage, making it invisible even from aerial surveillance.
On Thursday, multiple Army teams, assisted by medical units, GREF personnel, NDRF teams, local police, and civil administration, began descending the nearly 200-metre-deep gorge using belay ropes. The mangled vehicle was finally located around 11.55 am after four hours of intense effort.
So far, 17 bodies have been identified. The recovered six bodies were shifted today to the District Hospital in Hayuliang for post mortem and further formalities.
Disaster Management Secretary Dani Salu stated that the retrieval operation was suspended this evening due to darkness and hazardous terrain conditions. “The operation will resume early tomorrow morning. Four bodies still remain untraced,” he said.
Several top officials and elected representatives visited the location today to oversee operations. Those present included the Assam Minister for Art and Culture, the MLA from Tinsukia, and Arunachal Pradesh minister and local MLA Dasanglu Pul, who met rescue teams and assured all necessary assistance to the victims’ families.
The ongoing operation involves coordinated efforts from Army (Spear Corps) teams, NDRF personnel, 116 RCC Rifle and 9th Madras Regiment, local police and Tinsukia Police, GREF personnel, DDMA teams from Anjaw and Tinsukia, and district medical and administrative officials.
The Anjaw district administration and DDMA are monitoring the operation continuously, with Deputy Commissioner Millo Kojing providing regular updates.
Despite the challenging terrain and limited visibility, rescue agencies are working round the clock to bring closure to the affected families.