Shillong, Jul 26: A six-wheeled truck plunged into a small gorge near Chitoktak on National Highway 217B, just outside Tura.
The truck, bearing registration number ML 10C 6680, was headed towards Guwahati after unloading goods at Garobada, around 30 kilometres away. The accident occurred shortly after the vehicle exited Tura town around 9:30 pm.
Miraculously, the truck was prevented from falling further into the gorge by a set of large Public Health Engineering (PHE) water supply pipes running along the slope.
Authorities are yet to determine the exact cause of the mishap, and it remains unclear whether the driver was fatigued or under the influence of alcohol.
The incident has raised concerns among local residents and commuters about the increasing number of speeding heavy vehicles along the Rongkon–Chitoktak–Chandmari stretch of NH 217B, particularly after 9:00 pm.
Citizens have urged authorities to introduce stricter nighttime speed regulations, install warning signage in high-risk zones, and enhance patrolling along the route to prevent future accidents.
