A heartbreaking tragedy struck Arunachal Pradesh on 8 December when a truck carrying labourers from Assam slipped off the rugged Hayuliang–Chaglagam road and fell nearly 1,000 feet into a deep gorge. The accident killed 18 workers from Tinsukia district. Three more workers are still missing, and rescue teams are searching the area. The remote terrain made the situation even tougher for officials.
The incident went unnoticed for several hours. No contractor, local agency, or resident knew about the fall. The tragedy came to light only when the lone survivor reached help and explained what happened. Police teams from Tinsukia and Anjaw moved quickly and recovered the bodies. Their effort brought some closure to the grieving families.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow. He announced ₹2 lakh compensation for each deceased worker from PMNRF. Injured workers will get ₹50,000. Modi also wished strength to the families and a quick recovery for survivors.
Officials said the labourers were working on a hostel construction project for a private contractor. They were travelling in a dumper truck that lost control on the narrow road. The crash shook communities across Assam and Arunachal.
