A significant Search and Rescue (SAR) operation is underway in the remote Chaglagam region of Arunachal Pradesh following a tragic incident where a truck carrying 22 workers from Tinsukia plunged off a cliff along the Hayuliang–Chaglagam road. The accident occurred on the night of 8 December 2025 but came to light only late on 10 December when the lone survivor managed to reach the Chipra GREF Camp and alert authorities.
Initial reports indicate that the vehicle fell into a deep gorge near KM 40, an area notorious for its treacherous terrain, dense forests, and extremely limited connectivity. Until the survivor’s arrival, there had been no reports from local agencies, contractors, or civil representatives about the accident, prompting an urgent multi-agency response.
On 11 December, the Spear Corps mobilized several SAR teams, including medical units, officers from the Border Roads Organization, local police, and personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) alongside the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Hayuliang. After nearly four hours of intensive searching and utilizing rope-assisted descent techniques, rescuers located the wreckage of the truck around 11:55 AM, approximately 200 meters below the roadway in a concealed area of re-entrant, which is inaccessible due to heavy foliage and tree cover.
At the crash site, authorities have reported sighting 18 bodies, and recovery operations are currently in progress using belay ropes. The ADC Hayuliang has alerted the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Anjaw, who has reached the site to assist in the operations. The District Medical Officer is also en route to oversee the evacuation procedures and the handling of the deceased.
In parallel, efforts are being made to verify the identities and exact number of workers involved. The ADC is questioning the sub-contractor connected to the Zila Parishad Member of Chaglagam for further details regarding the hired workers.
Despite facing harsh weather conditions, steep gradients, and poor visibility, the Indian Army is collaborating closely with civil administration and specialized agencies to trace any remaining individuals and provide assistance in the challenging terrain. The commitment to rescuing those still unaccounted for remains a priority as search efforts continue.
