21 Construction Workers Feared Dead After Truck Plunges into Gorge

At least 21 construction workers from Assam’s Tinsukia district are feared dead following a tragic accident in Arunachal Pradesh. A minitruck carrying the workers plunged into a deep gorge in the Anjaw district on the night of December 8, 2023, according to local officials.

The truck was transporting a group of 22 individuals, including the driver, who were on their way to Hayuliang for construction-related work. Senior Superintendent of Police Mayank Kumar confirmed that one person survived the incident, while the remaining 21 are believed to have lost their lives.

Rescue Operations Underway

The accident occurred in the Chaglagam Circle, a remote area close to the India–China border. Due to the steep terrain and narrow roads, the incident initially went unnoticed by local residents. Nang Chingni Choupoo, the District Disaster Management Officer, indicated that extensive rescue operations have been initiated by various agencies, including the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), local police, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

Rescue teams have faced significant challenges due to the difficult landscape, which features dense tree cover and poor visibility. Following information from the sole survivor, who managed to reach the Chipra GREF Camp, the wreckage of the truck was located approximately 200 meters below the road.

As of now, 18 bodies have been spotted in the gorge, and efforts are ongoing to retrieve them. Rescue teams are using ropes to recover the bodies, although the challenging conditions are impeding progress.

Government Response and Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences regarding the tragic incident, stating, “Distressed by the loss of lives due to a mishap in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.” The Prime Minister’s Office announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh (approximately $2,400) from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased worker. Additionally, injured individuals will receive ₹50,000 (around $600).

President Droupadi Murmu also shared her sorrow, extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a swift recovery to those injured. Opposition leader and Congress member Rahul Gandhi conveyed his sympathies on social media, describing the news as “extremely heartbreaking” and hoping for the prompt recovery of the missing workers.

As rescue operations continue, authorities remain focused on locating and retrieving all individuals involved in the accident. The tragedy has highlighted the risks faced by construction workers in remote areas, underscoring the need for improved safety measures in such challenging environments.