A tragic soil collapse claimed the lives of two youths and left another seriously injured at the Muslim Basti area of Chakmaghat under the Krishnapur Assembly constituency on Saturday morning.
According to local sources, 20-year-old James Jamatia, 30-year-old Asha Hari Jamatia, and 30-year-old Amulya Dhan Jamatia, all residents of Kunjamura, had gone to collect soil for house construction work. While they were cutting soil from a mound, a massive section suddenly caved in, burying all three under the debris.
The incident triggered panic in the area. Local residents, who witnessed the collapse, rushed to the spot and immediately began rescue operations without waiting for the administration. Their efforts helped rescue Amulya Dhan Jamatia, the driver of the vehicle, in a critically injured condition. He suffered severe leg injuries and was first taken to Teliamura Sub-Divisional Hospital. Due to the seriousness of his condition, he was later referred to GB Hospital in Agartala.
Following the incident, personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services, TSR (Tripura State Rifles), and the Disaster Management team reached the site and launched rescue operations. Firefighters and TSR jawans reportedly worked tirelessly in the rescue effort.
However, allegations have surfaced regarding a delay in the arrival of the Sub-Divisional Disaster Management team. Local residents claimed that while the Fire and Emergency Services reached the spot promptly, the disaster response team arrived nearly an hour later. Some residents also expressed dissatisfaction over the team’s role after reaching the site.
Meanwhile, DCM Genius Debbarma visited the hospital and met the families of the deceased. Teliamura Sub-Divisional Magistrate Apurba Krishna Chakraborty also rushed to the hospital to monitor the situation and inquire about the condition of the injured victim.
The incident has sparked grief and raised serious questions about emergency response preparedness in the region.
