Video: Miraculous escape for bystanders as landslide sweeps fuel tanker in Wayanad

A chilling CCTV footage of a massive landslide in Kerala's Wayanad has captured the terrifying moment when tonnes of mud, rocks and debris came crashing down near the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi twin tunnel project.

The visuals show a thick wave of slush suddenly tearing through the hillside, uprooting trees and swallowing the area within seconds. Several people can be seen rushing to safety as the debris races downhill. In a close shave, pedestrians narrowly escaped moments before the force of the landslide swept away a fuel tanker parked at the site.

The landslide, which struck near Meenakshi Bridge following incessant rainfall, has claimed at least three lives, injured eight people and left seven workers missing, officials said.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority recorded 265 mm of rainfall in the region in 24 hours — the highest rainfall recorded this season — triggering fears of further landslides in the area.

The affected site is located close to Mundakkai, which witnessed one of Kerala's deadliest landslides in 2024. With houses and homestays located around the area, authorities fear more people could be trapped under the debris.

Kerala Agriculture Minister T Siddique described the incident as a "man-made disaster", alleging that the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited, which is executing the twin tunnel project, was responsible for the situation.

He also raised questions over whether construction-related activities contributed to the landslide.

Meanwhile, rescue teams are currently engaged in search operations as authorities assess the extent of damage.

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