Dhalai (Tripura), May 18 (HS): A devastating road accident near the Indo-Bangladesh border in Tripura’s Longtarai Valley subdivision claimed the lives of four labourers after a stone-chips laden truck overturned on a hilly stretch late Sunday evening. Six others were injured in the mishap, with one reportedly battling for life in hospital.

According to police officials informed on Tuesday, the vehicle was transporting stone chips from Chawmanu to the Biju Border Out Post for infrastructure-related work being carried out near the international border. The accident took place while the truck was attempting to negotiate a steep uphill road allegedly left in a severely damaged condition.

Officials said the heavily loaded truck failed to climb the steep gradient and overturned while rolling backwards. The labourers sitting atop the heap of stone chips were thrown onto the road before tonnes of construction material collapsed over them.

“The four labourers seated above the load were buried under the stone chips and killed on the spot, while those travelling inside the cabin survived the impact,” the officer stated.

Soon after the incident, personnel from nearby units of the Border Security Force reached the spot and began rescue operations. The injured were later shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The deceased have been identified as Balidhanjoy Tripura (47), Majida Tripura (50), Bathojoy Tripura (39), and Narjoy Tripura (36).

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the accident, including the condition of the road and possible negligence.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash