August 12: A DCM truck was hit by a landslide and pushed off the road at Takti on the Thimphu-Phuentsholing highway. The truck was on its way to Phuentsholing from Thimphu when the accident occurred yesterday afternoon.

The Road Safety and Transport Authority (RSTA) officials say the truck fell about 100 meters below the road. Workers at the site said there were three people on the truck including the driver.

Officials said they have not been able to figure out if the passengers are still alive. They are also trying to confirm who the truck belongs to. Foggy weather and falling boulders is making it difficult for rescuers to reach the truck.

The highway was opened to traffic for a while yesterday morning. The RSTA Director Tashi Norbu said heavy rain overnight triggered the landslide which hit the truck.

Meanwhile, hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides of the block have been sent back by yesterday afternoon. The road is now closed to traffic again.

The RSTA officials say it is even difficult to trans-shift people.

Meanwhile, the highway will remain closed to traffic for another three to four days.