In a tragic accident on Thursday, four Indian Army soldiers lost their lives and nine others sustained injuries when their military vehicle skidded off a mountainous road and plunged into a deep gorge in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The incident occurred at the treacherous Khanni top along the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road, a vital but precarious link through the Pir Panjal range. Officials stated that a bullet-proof Army vehicle, carrying a total of 17 personnel, was en route to a high-altitude post when the driver reportedly lost control.
The vehicle veered off the road and tumbled approximately 200 feet down into the ravine. The remote and rugged terrain immediately complicated rescue efforts.
A joint rescue operation was swiftly launched by the Indian Army and local police. Despite the challenging conditions, teams reached the crash site to extract the soldiers. Tragically, four personnel were pronounced dead at the scene.
Nine other soldiers were successfully rescued in an injured condition. Given the severity of their injuries, three of the critically wounded were airlifted by helicopter to the specialised military hospital in Udhampur for urgent medical attention. The condition of the remaining injured personnel is being monitored at local medical facilities. The four other occupants of the vehicle are reported to be safe.
"The rescue operation was conducted immediately. The injured have been evacuated and are receiving the best possible medical care," an official stated.
The incident underscores the immense risks and challenges faced by security forces stationed in Jammu and Kashmir, where treacherous terrain and harsh weather conditions often pose as great a threat as operational hazards. The Bhaderwah-Chamba road, while strategically important, is known for its sharp turns, narrow stretches, and steep drops, especially at high-altitude passes like Khanni top.
The names and units of the deceased and injured soldiers are being withheld pending notification of their families. The Indian Army has initiated an inquiry into the precise circumstances that led to the accident.
This tragic event has cast a pall over the region, serving as a somber reminder of the daily sacrifices made by the armed forces in the line of duty, even beyond the battlefield. The nation stands in solidarity with the families of the bravehearts who lost their lives and prays for the swift recovery of the injured.
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