‘No One Knew Until He Arrived’: Lone Survivor Leads Army to Deadly Arunachal Gorge

The Indian Army has launched a large-scale Search and Rescue (SAR) operation in the higher reaches of Arunachal Pradesh’s Chaglagam region after receiving information about a suspected vehicle accident on the Hayuliang–Chaglagam road.

The operation was triggered late on December 10, 2025, when a lone survivor reached the Chipra GREF Camp and reported that a truck carrying 22 workers from Tinsukia had plunged off a cliff near KM 40 on the night of December 8.

The accident site—around 12 km short of Chaglagam—lies in extremely difficult terrain with poor connectivity and had not been reported by any local authority, contractor or civil representative before the survivor’s arrival.

On December 11, the Indian Army’s Spear Corps mobilised multiple SAR columns along with medical teams, GREF personnel, local police, NDRF members and the ADC Hayuliang. At 1155 hours, after four hours of intensive search and rope-supported descent, the wreckage of the truck was located approximately 200 metres below the road in an inaccessible re-entrant, concealed by dense forest cover.

As many as 18 bodies have been sighted so far and are being retrieved using belay ropes.

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

SDRF teams requisitioned by the Deputy Commissioner are also en route. The ADC is questioning the sub-contractor of the Zila Parishad Member, Chaglagam, to verify the workers’ identities and exact numbers.

Despite harsh terrain, limited visibility and challenging conditions, the Indian Army—working closely with civil administration and supporting agencies—is making all possible efforts to trace the remaining individuals and extend immediate assistance.

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