A serious accident occurred late on Saturday night when a truck heavily loaded with gas cylinders lost control and plunged into a roadside water body in the Barjatrapur area, on the Chechri-Ganirgram Road near Borkhola. Fortunately, the driver of the truck managed to escape with only minor injuries.
Details of the Accident and Vehicle Identification
According to preliminary reports, the incident took place in the early hours of Sunday morning. The truck, bearing the registration number AS-11/DC-5387, was on its way to the Jaroiltala Bottling Plant after offloading cylinders in Lunglei. The registration number confirms the vehicle is registered with the Silchar Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Assam.
While navigating the Chechri-Ganirgram road near the Barjatrapur area, the driver reportedly lost control of the heavy vehicle. The truck veered sharply off the road and tipped into the adjacent large ditch or water body.
The presence of numerous gas cylinders inside the vehicle added an immediate layer of risk to the accident, though sources confirmed the cylinders themselves remained stable. The driver’s swift action allowed him to evacuate the cabin just as the truck submerged, narrowly averting a major disaster.
Police Arrive, Rescue Efforts Underway
Upon receiving news of the accident, Bhāngārpar Police Outpost In-Charge, Gobinda Shil, rushed to the spot with his team. Police immediately secured the area to ensure the safety of onlookers and began assessing the complex recovery operation. The police will use the registration number, AS-11/DC-5387, to trace the vehicle’s owner and complete the necessary paperwork.
As of the time of reporting, efforts were underway to safely retrieve the cylinder-laden truck from the water body using heavy machinery. The operation is expected to be challenging due to the truck’s weight and the unstable terrain.
Safety Concerns on Critical Route
Local residents emphasized that this is not the first time a heavy vehicle has met with an accident on the Chechri-Ganirgram Road, particularly around the Barjatrapur stretch. The repeated occurrences highlight serious concerns regarding the road’s condition, width, and the need for better safety barriers, especially given the continuous heavy traffic, including trucks carrying volatile cargo like gas cylinders.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to prevent future accidents and ensure the safe passage of commercial vehicles through the area.