A major search and rescue operation intensified on 11 December after the Indian Army located the wreckage of a truck that plunged off a cliff along the Hayuliang–Chaglagam road, leaving at least 18 people feared dead.
The mission escalated after a lone survivor reached the Chipra GREF Camp late on 10 December and reported that a truck carrying 22 workers from Tinsukia had fallen into a deep gorge on the night of 8 December. The accident occurred about 12 kilometres before Chaglagam in remote terrain with minimal connectivity, and no information reached local authorities, contractors or civil representatives until the survivor came forward.
Spear Corps deployed multiple rescue columns, medical teams, GREF personnel, local police, NDRF teams and the ADC Hayuliang early on 11 December. After four hours of searching and rope descent, teams spotted the vehicle at 1155 hours, lodged around 200 metres below the road in a densely forested re-entrant that was not visible from the air or the roadside.
Eighteen bodies were visible at the site, and recovery efforts were underway using belay ropes. ADC Hayuliang alerted SP Anjaw, who arrived at the location, while the District Medical Officer moved to coordinate the evacuation of the injured and the deceased. SDRF teams requisitioned by the Deputy Commissioner were also heading to the area.
Authorities began questioning the sub-contractor linked to the Zila Parishad Member, Chaglagam, to confirm the identities and the exact number of workers involved.
Despite the challenging terrain, poor visibility and the delayed flow of information, the Army and civil agencies said they committed all available resources to trace the remaining individuals and deliver immediate assistance.
