A harrowing incident took place near the Sonapur tunnel on the Meghalaya section of the Barak-Guwahati national highway on April 30. A colossal landslide struck, leaving a truck driver and his co-pilot profoundly grateful for their survival after their vehicle bore the brunt of the debris and a massive tree.
The duo narrowly evaded a fatal fate as the landslide wreaked havoc on their truck, causing extensive damage. Eyewitnesses recounted how an enormous tree and a substantial volume of debris cascaded down from the surrounding hills, obstructing the path of the oncoming truck. Despite the force of the falling debris, the driver and co-pilot managed to extricate themselves from the wreckage with relatively minor injuries.
The landslide has resulted in a complete cessation of traffic flow on the critical arterial highway, leaving numerous vehicles stranded on both ends of the Sonapur tunnel. Clearance operations have commenced to eliminate the debris and fallen trees obstructing the road; however, the sheer magnitude of the obstruction suggests that the process may extend over many hours.
Following the incident, a lengthy queue of vehicles has formed, with commuters facing substantial delays and inconvenience. Local authorities have advised travellers to seek alternative routes until the highway is fully cleared and deemed safe for traversal.
The Sonapur tunnel, a vital link connecting Barak Valley and Guwahati, has a history of similar incidents, particularly during the monsoon season, due to the region’s vulnerability to landslides.
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