President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed sorrow over a fatal accident in Arunachal Pradesh, where a truck carrying 22 workers fell off a cliff on December 8.
The President, in a social media post, 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.”
In a message on X, the Prime Minister’s Office said: “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 also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased, while Rs 50,000 will be provided to those injured.
The accident, believed to have occurred near KM 40, came to light only late on Wednesday when a survivor managed to reach the Chipra GREF Camp and alert authorities.
According to preliminary information provided by the survivor, the vehicle veered off a treacherous mountain road and plunged nearly 200 metres into a dense, inaccessible forested gorge. The site, located about 12 km short of Chaglagam, lies in a remote stretch with minimal connectivity.
Notably, no information about the missing workers had been reported by any local agency, contractor, or civil representative until the survivor’s arrival, prompting an immediate mobilisation of rescue resources.
On Thursday, the Indian Army’s Spear Corps deployed multiple search and rescue teams along with medical units, GREF personnel, local police, NDRF members, and the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Hayuliang.
—IANS
