Driver still untraced
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 03 2020:
The driver of the tipper which plunged into the river when Irang bridge snapped on November 1 remains untraceable as attempts to recover the vehicle failed today.
Recovery attempts were made using poclain machine (lift vehicle) but failed to completely lift the tipper out of the river because of its weight.
However, the speculation that the driver of the vehicile, Khamba may be stuck inside the driver's cabin was ruled out when the poclain machine lifted the front of the vehicle above the water level and found the driver's door opened and without him.
He may have leaped out of the vehicle when the accident occurred and washed away by the strong current.
As he is not yet traced, he may have survived the accident though chances are slim, said officials who are taking part in the rescue operation.
Meanwhile, the rescue operation has been hampered by the strong current and high water level.
As such, the SDRF and NDRF rescue teams have left the site for Imphal with the permission of the Temenglong Deputy Commissioner, said sources.
Meanwhile, the use of the poclain machine has damaged the bridge abdomen.
Repairing/reconstruction may take about 28 days, said NHIDCL officials.