Itanagar/New Delhi, Dec 11 (NationPress) On Thursday, the Indian Army initiated an extensive search and rescue mission in the Chaglagam area of Arunachal Pradesh following a tragic incident where a truck with 22 workers from Tinsukia plummeted off a cliff along the isolated Hayuliang–Chaglagam road, according to officials.

The accident is believed to have transpired on the night of December 8 near KM 40, but details only emerged late on December 10 when the sole survivor reached the Chipra GREF Camp to inform the authorities.

As per initial reports from the survivor, the truck lost control on the perilous mountain road and fell nearly 200 meters into a dense, hard-to-reach forested gorge.

The location, approximately 12 km from Chaglagam, is situated in a remote area with limited access.

Significantly, there had been no prior information about the missing workers from local agencies, contractors, or civil authorities until the survivor's report, which led to the immediate mobilization of rescue teams.

On December 11, the Spear Corps of the Indian Army dispatched multiple search and rescue units, including medical teams, GREF personnel, local police, members of the NDRF, and the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Hayuliang.

At 1155 hours, after four hours of rigorous searching and rope descent, the truck was located about 200 meters below the road near KM 40 in a re-entrant area that was not visible from helicopters or the road due to thick tree cover. Eighteen bodies have been sighted and are in the process of being retrieved with the use of belay ropes,” an official stated.

The dense foliage and rugged terrain had previously obscured the vehicle from both ground and aerial searches.

Currently, 18 bodies have been discovered at the accident scene and are being recovered using belay rope systems.

The ADC of Hayuliang has notified SP Anjaw, who has reached the location, while the District Medical Officer is en route to facilitate the evacuation of the deceased and any injured.

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), requested by the Deputy Commissioner, is also advancing toward the site.

Authorities are beginning to question the sub-contractor affiliated with the Zila Parishad Member of Chaglagam to verify the identities of the workers and confirm the precise number on board.

Despite the challenging terrain, poor visibility, and adverse weather conditions, the army and civil agencies are tirelessly working to locate any remaining individuals and provide urgent support.