Agartala, 28th May 2026: A major road accident took place on National Highway 8 (Assam–Agartala Road) near Dolubari Market on Thursday afternoon, triggering massive traffic congestion and exposing serious lapses on the part of the administration, traffic police, and disaster management authorities.
According to reports, at around 12 PM, a stone-laden truck bearing registration number TR-06C-1763, which was heading towards Agartala, suddenly lost control near Dolubari Market and overturned onto a roadside shop situated on lower ground beside the highway. The driver, identified as Rahim Uddin, became trapped inside the heavily damaged vehicle.
Hearing the loud crash, local youths rushed to the spot and immediately began rescue operations. Personnel from the Ambassa Fire and Emergency Services also arrived promptly and joined the effort. However, due to the truck being loaded with heavy stones, rescuers initially failed to pull the driver out safely. The situation demanded urgent deployment of heavy machinery to lift the overturned vehicle.
Locals alleged that despite the seriousness of the accident, there was no immediate response from the sub-divisional administration or the disaster management department. As the situation worsened, the matter was reportedly brought to the attention of the Dhalai District Magistrate, whose intervention led to the arrival of five excavators at the scene. The truck was eventually lifted and straightened with great difficulty.
Meanwhile, health department officials also reached the accident site. At that time, half of the driver’s body was still trapped inside the vehicle. Doctors provided him with primary treatment while rescue efforts continued. Using a hydraulic cutter, firefighters cut through portions of the truck and, after nearly one and a half hours of intense rescue operations, successfully pulled Rahim Uddin out alive and reportedly without major injuries. He is currently undergoing treatment at Dhalai District Hospital.
The accident caused a massive traffic jam along the national highway. Locals expressed anger over the delayed response from traffic police and senior administrative officials, alleging that no responsible authority was present at the scene for nearly an hour despite the growing congestion.
Residents also criticized the police for their late arrival. According to eyewitnesses, two fire service vehicles passed directly in front of Ambassa Police Station with sirens blaring, yet police personnel allegedly remained unaware of the incident for a long time. Police reportedly reached the spot almost an hour after the accident occurred.
Local residents stated that the incident once again highlighted the inefficiency of the sub-divisional administration and disaster management authorities, similar to a previous accident in Teliamura last year. They also questioned the absence of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate despite the accident taking place close to the Ambassa Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office.
However, amid criticism of the administration and police, the bravery, humanity, and prompt action of local youths and fire service personnel have been widely praised by the public.
