Tragic Accident in Arunachal Pradesh: 21 Assam Laborers Feared Dead After Truck Plunges into Gorge

The Army has confirmed that at least 18 bodies have been recovered from the accident site.

Approximately 21 individuals are feared to have lost their lives after a vehicle transporting daily-wage workers from Assam's Tinsukia district fell into a deep gorge in Arunachal Pradesh.

The tragic incident took place on December 8 during the night hours on the Hayuliang-Chaglagam road near the China border. Unfortunately, due to the remote location, absence of network connectivity, and challenging road conditions, authorities were only notified late Wednesday evening.

Police officials stated that search and rescue operations commenced Thursday morning.

A circulating video shows the sole survivor, Buddheswar Deep, who despite sustaining serious injuries, managed to climb back to the roadside after the truck plummeted into the gorge.

According to the Army's official statement, the vehicle veered off the dangerous mountain pathway and fell approximately 200 meters into a dense, difficult-to-access forested ravine.

The dumper truck was carrying a total of 22 people, all daily-wage laborers heading to a construction site in Arunachal Pradesh. Reports indicate the vehicle plunged at least 1,000 feet down the gorge.

The Army has reported recovering at least 18 bodies, while rescue operations continue at the site.

Authorities have identified nineteen of the victims, all residents of Gelapukhuri Tea Estate located in Assam's Tinsukia district.

In addition to Deep, the other laborers who have been confirmed dead or remain missing include Rahul Kumar, Samir Deep, Joon Kumar, Pankaj Manki, Ajay Manki, Bijay Kumar, Abhay Bhumij, Rohit Manki, Birendra Kumar, Agar Tanti, Dhiren Chetia, Rajani Naag, Deep Gowala, Ramchabak Sonar, Sonatan Naag, Sanjay Kumar, Karan Kumar, and Jonas Munda.