Guwahati: Authorities in Arunachal Pradesh have wrapped up the intensive search and rescue mission in Anjaw district following the tragic mini-truck accident that claimed 20 lives, officials confirmed on Monday, December 15.
Anjaw Deputy Commissioner Millo Kojin said rescue teams recovered 20 bodies and saved one survivor after a four-day operation in extremely difficult conditions. The administration formally ended the operation at around 10 am on Monday after completing a thorough search of the crash site near Lailiang, roughly 40 kilometres from the Hayuliang sub-division.
Officials clarified that the vehicle was carrying 21 people, including the driver, correcting earlier reports that suggested a higher number of passengers. The Senior Superintendent of Police of Assam’s Tinsukia district confirmed the final count.
The accident took place on the night of December 8 on the Hayuliang–Chaglagam road, when the truck transporting labourers from Assam’s Tinsukia district veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge. The tragedy came to public attention two days later, on December 10, after the lone survivor managed to reach a nearby Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) labour camp and informed authorities.
Following the alert, multiple agencies launched a coordinated rescue effort involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, BRTF personnel, local police, and the district administration. Despite treacherous terrain, cold weather, and logistical challenges, teams managed to retrieve all the victims from the gorge.
In a separate order, the district administration stated that the NDRF had completed its role and was disengaged after officials handed over all recovered bodies to families upon completion of necessary legal procedures.
As chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, Deputy Commissioner Kojin praised the collective effort, discipline, and professionalism of all participating agencies. The administration also extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.