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Tinsukia

Arunachal Pradesh Tragedy: 17 Bodies Recovered So Far, Rescue Efforts Continue

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited Assam Medical College on Friday evening to enquire about the health of the lone survivor

  • DY365

DY365

The rescue team said that six more bodies were recovered on Friday, taking the total number of recovered bodies so far to 17
The rescue team said that six more bodies were recovered on Friday, taking the total number of recovered bodies so far to 17

In one of the deadliest road accidents in Arunachal Pradesh in recent times, at least 22 workers lost their lives after a truck plunged into a deep gorge on the Hayuliang–Chaglagam road in Anjaw district last Monday.

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As per reports, the accident occurred when the truck, carrying labourers to a work site, skidded off the mountainous road and fell into a steep ravine.

Rescue operations are being jointly carried out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, and the Arunachal Pradesh Police, amid extremely challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions. The rescue team said that six more bodies were recovered on Friday, taking the total number of recovered bodies so far to 17, while search operations are still underway to locate the remaining victims.

Officials confirmed that only one person survived the accident. The survivor, identified as Buddheshwar Deep, was rescued in a critical condition and is currently undergoing treatment at Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH), Dibrugarh. Doctors have stated that his condition is now stable, though he will remain hospitalised for further observation.

Most of the deceased workers were residents of Gelapukhuri Tea Estate in Tinsukia district of Assam. Nineteen of them had travelled from the tea garden to Arunachal Pradesh for work. Among those in the group were Buddheshwar Deep, Rahul Kumar, Sameer Deep, Jun Kumar, Pankaj Manki, Ajay Manki, Bijoy Kumar, Abhay Bhumij, Rohit Manki, Birendra Kumar, Agar Tanti, Dhiren Chetia, Rajani Nag, Deep Gowala, Ramchabak Sonar, Sanatan Nag, Sanjay Kumar, Karan Kumar and Jonas Munda.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited Assam Medical College on Friday evening to enquire about the health of the lone survivor. Speaking to reporters, Sonowal termed the incident “extremely unfortunate” and said, “This is a heartbreaking tragedy. The central government, along with the Assam and Arunachal Pradesh governments, is working in close coordination to ensure that rescue operations continue without interruption until all missing persons are recovered.”

He added that specialised teams of the Indian Army, NDRF, and both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh police forces are engaged in the search operation. “So far, six bodies have been recovered today, and efforts are ongoing despite the difficult mountainous conditions,” Sonowal said.

The Union Minister further assured that the government would bear the full cost of treatment for the injured survivor. “Doctors have informed us that Buddheshwar Deep is out of danger, but he will need to stay in the hospital for a few more days. The government will ensure all necessary medical support,” he stated.

Earlier on Thursday, Assam Minister Bimal Borah and Tinsukia MLA Sanjay Kishan also visited the accident site to oversee rescue efforts and extend support to the rescue teams on the ground.

Meanwhile, the Central and State governments have announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹7 lakh each for the families of the deceased. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the incident and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families.

Rescue officials said operations will continue until all bodies are recovered, as families of the missing workers await closure following the tragic incident that has cast a pall of gloom over both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Also Read: 22 labourers killed as truck falls off hill in Arunachal Pradesh; 19 victims from Assam

Sarbananda Sonowal
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