At noon on Wednesday, an avalanche struck the 67th kilometer of the Dushanbe-Chanak highway, burying a Mercedes vehicle carrying a driver, his mother, wife, and three children, including a 10-month-old baby, an official source within the Branch of Innovative Road Solutions (IRS) LTD in Tajikistan, which operates the toll on this highway, told Asia-Plus in an interview.
According to him, the avalanche covered the car, but the family was rescued thanks to the swift actions of the company’s staff, rescuers, and bystanders.
Witness account: a dramatic rescue
Natalya, a witness to the incident, recounted the events to Asia-Plus. “It was a miracle we spotted the car under the snow. Drivers who were nearby immediately sprang into action. We broke the rear side window and started digging out the car. Thankfully, we managed to pull everyone out. The driver thanked us repeatedly, saying that if other cars hadn’t been there, they wouldn’t have survived. The car was completely buried under the snow and would have gone unnoticed,” she said.
The driver reportedly explained that during the time they were trapped, his 10-month-old child and wife lost consciousness twice due to a lack of air.
Natalya also noted that a truck parked on the opposite side of the highway played a crucial role in preventing the car from sliding further into the river.
“Without that truck acting as a barrier, the consequences could have been much worse,” she added.
Challenges and quick thinking
The rescued family members were promptly evacuated into various cars, as traffic congestion caused by vehicles on the road hindered the rescue and emergency response efforts. Despite these difficulties, the victims were transported to the hospital in time.
Natalya praised the IRS staff for their rapid response to clearing the avalanche’s aftermath and ensuring the safety of those affected.
Additional avalanches on the Dushanbe-Chanak highway
The Branch of IRS LTD in Tajikistan reported that four additional avalanches occurred on the highway earlier that morning, one of which was particularly massive—4 meters high and 40 meters long.
The company’s employees are continuing to clear the road and ensure safety in the affected area, warning drivers about potential risks.
Current traffic conditions
According to IRS, the temporary restrictions on vehicles with trailers and semi-trailers on the Dushanbe-Chanak highway have been lifted. The highway is now open to all types of vehicles.
