1. Landslide near Sonapur tunnel on Meghalaya highway leaves truck damaged.
2. The driver and co-pilot escaped with minor injuries in the aftermath of the landslide.
3. Clearing operations underway to remove debris obstructing the critical arterial highway.
Shillong, May 01: A harrowing event unfolded near the Sonapur tunnel on the Meghalaya stretch of the Barak-Guwahati national highway as a massive landslide struck, leaving a truck driver and co-pilot grateful for their survival.
The landslide inflicted extensive damage on their vehicle, but they managed to escape with minor injuries.
Witnesses described the incident occurring along the Lumshnong – Ratacherra stretch, where a colossal tree and debris tumbled down from the hills, directly blocking the truck’s path.
Also Read: EC Releases Lok Sabha Poll Voter Turnout Data; Majority Regions Witness Decline
Despite the severe wreckage, the driver and co-pilot emerged with minor injuries, narrowly avoiding a fatal outcome.
The landslide halted traffic flow on the vital highway, leaving numerous vehicles stranded near the Sonapur tunnel. Clearance operations are underway, but the extensive debris suggests that the process may take hours to complete.
The aftermath has caused significant delays and inconvenience, with commuters advised to seek alternative routes until the highway is fully cleared and deemed safe.
The Sonapur tunnel, crucial for connecting Barak Valley and Guwahati, has a history of similar incidents, particularly during the monsoon season, due to the region’s susceptibility to landslides.