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Arunachal Tragedy: Army's Desperate Search After Truck Plunges into Gorge, 21 Missing

A truck carrying workers plunged into a deep, forested gorge in remote Arunachal Pradesh. The Indian Army launched a large-scale search and rescue operation in the difficult terrain. Dense foliage initially hid the wreckage from both road and aerial view. Rescue teams have sighted bodies and continue efforts to locate all missing individuals.

Key Points: Indian Army Rescues After Arunachal Truck Falls into Gorge

  • Truck veered off a treacherous mountain road near KM 40, plunging nearly 200 meters into a dense forest
  • The lone survivor alerted authorities after reaching a camp, as no local agency had reported the accident
  • Rescue teams used rope descent systems to locate the vehicle hidden by thick foliage
  • Authorities are questioning a subcontractor to verify the identities of the missing workers
2 min read

Indian Army mounts massive rescue effort after truck plunges into gorge in Arunachal Pradesh, 21 missing

Indian Army leads massive search after a truck with 22 workers plunges 200m into a remote Arunachal gorge. 18 bodies sighted, rescue efforts continue in harsh terrain.

"After four hours of intensive search... the truck was spotted around 200 metres below the road... Eighteen bodies have been sighted and are being retrieved using belay ropes. - Official Statement"

Itanagar/New Delhi, Dec 11

The Indian Army on Thursday launched a large-scale search and rescue operation in the high-altitude Chaglagam region of Arunachal Pradesh after a truck carrying 22 workers from Tinsukia fell off a cliff along the remote Hayuliang–Chaglagam road, officials said.

The accident, believed to have occurred on the night of December 8 near KM 40, came to light only late on December 10 when the lone survivor managed to reach the Chipra GREF Camp and alerted authorities.

According to preliminary inputs provided by the survivor, the vehicle veered off the treacherous mountain road and plunged nearly 200 metres into a dense, inaccessible forested gorge.

The site, about 12 km short of Chaglagam, lies in a remote stretch with minimal connectivity.

Notably, no information about the missing workers had been reported by any local agency, contractor, or civil representative until the survivor’s arrival, prompting immediate mobilisation of rescue resources.

On December 11, the Indian Army’s Spear Corps deployed multiple search and rescue columns along with medical teams, GREF personnel, local police, NDRF members and the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Hayuliang.

"At 1155 hours, after four hours of intensive search and rope descent, the truck was spotted around 200 metres below the road near KM 40 in a re-entrant, inaccessible and not visible from helicopters or the road due to dense tree cover and thick foliage. Eighteen bodies have been sighted and are being retrieved using belay ropes," an official said.

Dense foliage and deep terrain had earlier made the vehicle invisible from both the road and aerial reconnaissance.

So far, 18 bodies have been sighted at the accident site and are being retrieved using belay rope systems.

ADC Hayuliang has informed SP Anjaw, who has reached the site, while the District Medical Officer is moving to facilitate the evacuation of casualties and mortal remains

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), requisitioned by the Deputy Commissioner, is also moving towards the site.

Authorities have begun questioning the sub-contractor linked to the Zila Parishad Member of Chaglagam to verify the workers’ identities and confirm the exact number on board.

Despite harsh terrain, limited visibility and difficult weather conditions, the army and civil agencies continue to make all-out efforts to locate the remaining individuals and provide immediate assistance.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is so tragic. 22 workers and it took days for anyone to even know? Where was the contractor's accountability? My thoughts are with the families. Hope the remaining individuals are found soon. 🙏
V
Vikram M
The Indian Army, as always, is the first and most reliable responder in our most difficult terrains. Spear Corps, GREF, NDRF – thank you for your service. The real question is about road safety and labour conditions in these areas.
S
Sarah B
The logistical challenges here are staggering. 200m descent on ropes in dense forest... it shows the incredible skill and courage of the rescue personnel. My deepest condolences to all affected.
R
Rohit P
With all due respect to the rescue efforts, this highlights a systemic failure. No local agency reported 22 missing people for days? The sub-contractor and Zila Parishad member must be held accountable. Safety on these border roads is non-negotiable.
N
Nisha Z
Om Shanti. Such a terrible accident. The families must be going through hell. I hope the government provides immediate compensation and support to them. The focus now should be on the survivors and the grieving families.

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