A dumper accident near Dolubari in Ambassa trapped driver Rahim Uddin for nearly two hours, triggering public outrage over delayed disaster response. Residents raised concerns about rescue preparedness and the dangerous condition of the national highway stretch in Dhalai district.
Panic spread across the Dolubari area under Ambassa sub-division on Thursday after a major road accident involving a stone-laden dumper truck left its driver trapped inside the cabin for nearly two hours. The incident also triggered strong public criticism over the alleged delay in rescue operations by the sub-divisional disaster management authorities.
The accident occurred on the national highway near the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) at Dolubari. According to eyewitnesses, the dumper truck reportedly lost control while moving along the narrow stretch of the highway and overturned onto a roadside shop, creating chaos in the busy market area.
The injured driver was identified as Rahim Uddin, a resident of Silchar. He became severely trapped inside the damaged cabin after the vehicle overturned, reportedly pinned against the steering wheel. Local residents and passersby rushed to the spot immediately after the accident and attempted to rescue him, but the situation became increasingly difficult due to the extent of the damage.
Eyewitnesses stated that the driver remained stuck inside the vehicle for nearly two hours, crying out in pain while locals desperately tried to pull him out. Residents alleged that despite the accident occurring close to the SDM office, no disaster response team from the sub-division administration was seen at the spot even an hour after the incident.
The accident revived memories of last year’s tragic Chakmaghat incident in Teliamura, where lorry driver Mihirlal Debnath lost his life after reportedly not being rescued in time. Many locals expressed fear that the Dolubari accident could also have turned fatal because of delayed emergency response efforts.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Samarjit Debbarma later informed reporters that the administration had received information about the mishap and officials had reached the spot. However, several local residents claimed that the actual ground response was significantly delayed and insufficient during the crucial initial period after the accident.
After continuous efforts lasting nearly two hours, personnel from the fire service department, assisted by local residents, finally managed to rescue Rahim Uddin from the wrecked cabin. He was immediately shifted to Dhalai District Hospital for medical treatment. Hospital sources said the driver sustained serious injuries, though his condition is currently under medical observation.
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Residents also highlighted the dangerous condition of the national highway stretch between Dolubari bridge and the market area. According to locals, the road is naturally narrow and flanked by deep ditches on both sides, making it extremely risky for heavy vehicles, especially loaded dumpers and trucks. They urged the administration to improve road safety measures and strengthen emergency rescue preparedness to prevent similar incidents in the future.
