President Murmu, PM Modi Condole Deaths in Arunachal Truck Accident

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed grief over the deaths caused by a truck accident in Arunachal Pradesh, where a vehicle carrying 22 workers plunged off a cliff on December 8.

In a message shared on social media, President Murmu said, “Saddened to learn about the loss of lives in a road accident in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”

The Prime Minister also conveyed his condolences in a post on X. The PMO wrote, “Distressed by the loss of lives due to a mishap in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

The Prime Minister announced that an ex-gratia amount of ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured would receive ₹50,000.

The accident, believed to have taken place near KM 40, came to notice late on Wednesday after a survivor reached the Chipra GREF Camp and informed authorities. According to initial information from the survivor, the truck veered off a narrow mountain road and fell nearly 200 metres into a dense, inaccessible forested gorge. The site, located about 12 km before Chaglagam, lies in a remote area with minimal connectivity.

Authorities also noted that no contractor, local agency or civil representative had reported the workers missing prior to the survivor’s arrival, prompting urgent mobilisation of rescue teams.

Recovery Operations Are Underway, 18 Bodies Located

On Thursday, the Indian Army’s Spear Corps deployed multiple search and rescue teams, joined by medical units, GREF staff, local police, NDRF personnel and the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Hayuliang.

An official said, “At 1155 hours, after four hours of intensive search and rope descent, the truck was spotted around 200 metres below the road near KM 40 in a re-entrant, inaccessible and not visible from helicopters or the road due to dense tree cover and thick foliage. Eighteen bodies have been sighted and are being retrieved using belay ropes.”

Thick vegetation and steep terrain had initially prevented the vehicle from being spotted during earlier road and aerial searches. So far, 18 bodies have been located, and recovery operations are underway using belay rope systems.

The ADC of Hayuliang has alerted Anjaw’s Superintendent of Police, who has reached the site. The District Medical Officer is also moving to assist in evacuating the injured and retrieving the mortal remains. Meanwhile, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), requisitioned by the Deputy Commissioner, is en route to the location.

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