Ten soldiers were killed and 10 others were injured as an Indian Army vehicle fell into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha confirmed the death of 10 jawans and extended condolences to the families of the jawans who lost life in the incident.
“Deeply saddened at the loss of lives of 10 of our brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate road accident in Doda. We will always remember the outstanding service and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers. My deepest condolences to the grieving families,” Sinha said on X.
“In this moment of profound sorrow, the entire nation stands united with the bereaved families in solidarity and support. 10 Injured soldiers have been airlifted to the hospital. Directed the Senior officials to ensure best possible treatment. Praying for their speedy recovery,” he added.
The accident took place at Khanni top along Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road, news agency PTI reported.
Officials cited by the news agency said the bullet-proof Army vehicle, carrying a total of 17 personnel, was heading towards a high altitude post when its driver lost control and the vehicle plunged into a 200-foot-deep gorge.
A joint rescue operation by army and police was immediately launched and four of the soldiers were found dead, the officials said.
They said nine other soldiers were rescued in an injured condition and three of them, who have suffered critical injuries, were airlifted to Udhampur military hospital for specialised treatment.
This comes days after two army porters slipped to death close to the Line of Control in Gulmarg sector.
The porters, who were on way to Anita Post in Gulmarg sector, slipped into a deep gorge on January 8, an earlier HT report had quoted an official as saying. Search and rescue operation was launched to trace the missing porters and their bodies were recovered two days later.
The deceased were identified as Layaqat Ahmad Deedard, 27, and Ishfaq Ahmad Khatana, 33, of Chandoosa Baramulla.
In May last year, three Army personnel died after their vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a 700-foot-deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district.
The accident took place around 11.30 am on May 4 near Battery Chashma when the Army truck, part of a convoy heading from Jammu to Srinagar along National Highway 44, lost control.
The deceased have been identified as Sepoys Amit Kumar, Sujeet Kumar, and Man Bahadur, according to PTI news agency. Their bodies are being recovered from the gorge.
