Arunachal’s Anjaw accident: Rescue operation begins to retrieve bodies

Dibrugarh: Tinsukia District Commissioner Swapnil Paul on Friday said they received the lone survivor of the tragic accident, Budheswor Deep, at around 3 pm in Assam's Tinsukia.

He was immediately taken to Tinsukia Medical College for treatment and later shifted to Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH), Dibrugarh, after initial medical care.

“We received the lone survivor, Budheswor Deep, on Thursday at around 3 pm. After his initial treatment, he was shifted to Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh. It appears that he has internal injuries, but they do not seem fatal. A team from Tinsukia left yesterday and reached the accident site today. We are in touch with the Anjaw district administration,” Tinsukia DC Swapnil Paul said.

He added, “The body recovery process started early this morning. It is a critical operation because some bodies have been spotted inside the vehicle. The rescue teams are working hard to retrieve the bodies.”

Taking to X, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu wrote, “Deeply saddened by the tragic vehicle accident in Anjaw. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

“In this difficult moment, I extend my sincere gratitude to the Indian Army, BRO, the NDRF, and the local administration for their swift response, rescue operations, and tireless efforts in such challenging terrain,” Khandu added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the deaths and announced financial assistance. He said Rs 2 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.

In a statement, the PMO said: “Distressed by the loss of lives… My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

Assam minister Bimal Borah and Tinsukia MLA Sanjay Kisan visited Gelaphukuri Tea Estate, met the victims’ families, and assured them of all possible help.

The rescue operation began on Friday morning. Teams from the Indian Army, BRO, and NDRF have been engaged in the search and recovery mission.

“I am deeply saddened to learn about the tragic incident in Anjaw district, where 21 labourers from Tinsukia, travelling to Chaglagam for work, met with a devastating accident on Monday night. So far, 17 labourers have been located, 4 remain missing, and one has survived this horrific mishap,” APCC president Bosiram Siram said.

The 19 identified labourers from Gelapukhuri Tea Estate in Tinsukia are: Budheswar Deep, Rahul Kumar, Samir Deep, Joon Kumar, Pankaj Manki, Ajay Manki, Bijay Kumar, Abhay Bhumij, Rohit Manki, Birendra Kumar, Agar Tanti, Dhiren Chetia, Rajani Naag, Deep Gowala, Ramchabak Sonar, Sonatan Naag, Sanjay Kumar, Karan Kumar, and Jonas Munda.

Twenty-two workers from Tinsukia district had travelled to remote Arunachal Pradesh for construction work when their vehicle plunged into a deep gorge on the treacherous Hayuliang–Chaglagam Road on December 8, leaving 21 feared dead and only one survivor.

The lone survivor, Budheswar Deep (23), managed to escape with injuries. The remaining workers, most of them from Gelapukhuri Tea Estate, had no idea the journey would turn fatal.

On the morning of December 8, at around 6 am, 19 workers left Gelapukhuri for what they believed was a modest construction job, building a hostel in Anjaw district. But somewhere along the dangerously narrow hillside road, their vehicle skidded and fell into a gorge, reportedly carrying 22 people.

For two days, families desperately tried calling their loved ones. Their phones rang unanswered.

“We kept trying. My brother’s phone was switched off. Today we learnt he is no more,” said a grief-stricken Roshan Kisan, brother of deceased worker Rahul Kumar.