A tragic rock fall on Aizawl-Lengpui road in Mizoram killed three family members and injured one. Triggered by heavy rain, the accident highlights the dangers of Mizoram’s vulnerable highways during monsoon. Calls grow for urgent safety measures as road fatalities remain alarmingly high.
A heartbreaking road mishap claimed three lives and left one seriously injured when a massive rock fell on a moving car along the Aizawl-Lengpui Airport road in Mizoram on Monday, according to police officials.
The tragic incident took place at Pukpui area, a stretch notorious for rock falls, especially during the monsoon season. The family was traveling in a Hyundai car when the large rock, loosened by hours of heavy rainfall, rolled down from a hill and smashed into their vehicle. The impact killed three passengers — identified as Lalrinliana, his wife Lungtiawii, and their daughter Vanlalhruaii — instantly.
Lalrinliana’s son, Lallawmzuala, who was behind the wheel, survived but sustained serious injuries. He was quickly rescued and shifted to a hospital for urgent medical care.
The force of the rock fall completely crushed the car, making rescue efforts extremely difficult. Emergency teams worked for several hours to retrieve the bodies from the debris, underscoring the challenges of conducting operations in such treacherous terrain.
This particular stretch of the Aizawl-Lengpui road is part of the National Highway network and has long been recognized as highly vulnerable to rock falls and landslides. Repeated incidents not only cause loss of life but also frequently disrupt this critical route connecting Aizawl city to the state’s main airport.
Mizoram’s hilly landscape, combined with seasonal heavy rains, often leads to natural disasters like landslides and rock falls, particularly during the monsoon months. These events have repeatedly proven deadly, emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety measures.
Official data from Mizoram Police reveal a grim road safety record: in 2024 alone, 124 road accidents were registered, resulting in 112 deaths. Since 2019, there have been 547 road accidents recorded, claiming 467 lives — approximately 83 percent fatality rate. Authorities also acknowledge that the actual numbers could be even higher due to underreporting.
The latest incident has reignited concerns over the safety of travel along Mizoram’s mountainous highways, prompting calls from local communities and advocacy groups for immediate infrastructural improvements and better disaster preparedness to prevent further tragedies.
