Tinsukia (Assam), 11 December (HS): A devastating accident in Arunachal Pradesh’s Anjaw district claimed the lives of 22 labourers from Assam after a dumper truck carrying them skidded off a hillside and plunged into a deep gorge police informed on Thursday.

According to initial information, the vehicle lost control while negotiating a steep stretch, leading to the fatal fall. Nineteen of the workers had reportedly travelled from Gelapukhuri Tea Estate in Tinsukia for employment-related work in Arunachal Pradesh.

Rescue teams rushed to the site soon after the mishap. Authorities confirmed that 13 bodies have been recovered so far, while operations continue in the challenging terrain.

The deceased workers have been identified as Budheswar Deep, Rahul Kumar, Samir Deep, Jon Kumar, Pankaj Manki, Ajay Manki, Bijoy Kumar, Abhay Bhumij, Rohit Manki, Birendra Kumar, Agar Tati, Dhiren Chetia, Rajani Nag, Deep Gowala, Ramchabok Sonar, Sonatan Nag, Sanjay Kumar, Karan Kumar and Jonash Munda.

Local authorities are coordinating with the Assam government to facilitate further recovery, identification and support to the families of the victims.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash