In a tragic incident on Tuesday, five soldiers lost their lives and five others sustained injuries after an Army vehicle plunged into a 300-foot gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. The accident occurred in the Gharoa area at approximately 5:20 PM, according to officials.
The ill-fated vehicle was part of a six-truck Army convoy traveling towards Banoi in Poonch. Preliminary reports suggest the vehicle skidded off the road while navigating the hilly terrain, leading to the fatal plunge.
“All ranks of #WhiteKnightCorps extend their deepest condolences on the tragic loss of five brave soldiers in a vehicle accident during operational duty in the #Poonch sector,” the 16 Corps of the Indian Army conveyed in a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter).
Following the accident, rescue operations were launched promptly, with Quick Action Teams from the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police rushing to the site. Despite the challenging terrain, emergency teams managed to recover the injured personnel and transport them to nearby medical facilities for urgent care.
The injured soldiers are reportedly receiving treatment, and their condition is being closely monitored by medical experts.
Officials are investigating the circumstances that led to the accident, including the possibility of poor road conditions or mechanical failure. This tragic event highlights the perils faced by military personnel in operational areas, especially in regions with challenging geographical conditions.
Local authorities have assured full support in ongoing rescue and recovery efforts, while senior Army officials have visited the injured soldiers to ensure they receive the best possible medical attention.
The loss of these brave soldiers during operational duty has left the entire nation mourning. The Army has vowed to provide all necessary support to the families of the deceased and ensure that lessons are drawn to prevent such incidents in the future.
Further updates on the condition of the injured and findings from the investigation are awaited.
