NEW DELHI: Over 20 labourers are feared dead after a truck carrying 22 workers fell into a deep gorge in Arunachal Pradesh.The accident occurred between Hayuliang and Chakla, located in the remote Chaglagam circle under Anjaw district, located at the India-China border road.Meanwhile, the Indian Army has launched a major Search and Rescue operation in the Chaglagam region of Arunachal Pradesh.
Eighteen bodies have been sighted and are being retrieved using belay ropes. ADC Hayuliang has informed SP Anjaw, who has reached the site, while the District Medical Officer is moving to facilitate evacuation of casualties and mortal remains. SDRF, requisitioned by the DC, is en route. Despite harsh terrain and poor visibility, the Indian Army, in coordination with civil administration and other agencies is making all possible efforts to trace the remaining individuals and provide immediate assistance. “The incident occurred in Chaglagam Circle in Anjaw district Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, located at India-China border. It happened on the night of 8th December. We received the report on the night of 10th December. Even the locals were not aware that an incident had occurred there. It is steep and narrow there. The cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained,” said Nang Chingni Choupoo, DDMO (In-charge) for Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh, told news agency ANI. Nang Chingni Choupoo said the rescue operation is under way and that one survivor has been retrieved.“We have one survivor, as per whom the vehicle had 22 labourers in the vehicle. It was a minitruck which overturned. A search and rescue operation is under way there by the Army, ITBP and district administration. NDRF has been requisitioned. The rescue team has reached there, and the operation is ongoing…We are yet to retrieve the people on board. We think we will retrieve just the bodies. We have handed over the survivor to Assam after treatment,” Choupoo said.
