5 Soldiers Killed, 5 Injured as Army Vehicle Plunges into Gorge in Poonch

LG expresses dismay over the loss of lives

Army dismisses ‘terror angle’ in incident

Gopal Sharma

JAMMU, Dec 24: Tragically, five soldiers lost their lives and several others sustained injuries after an Army vehicle veered off the road, plunging nearly 300 feet into a gorge in the Balnoi area, close to the Line of Control in the Mendhar Sub Division of Poonch district this evening.

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A Defence spokesperson has ruled out any links to terrorism but stated that the cause of the accident is under investigation, suggesting that the driver may have lost control on a turn. The incident occurred in Balnoi, Mankote tehsil, while a convoy of six vehicles was heading to a forward position around 5:30 pm.

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The spokesperson further indicated that rescue teams have retrieved five bodies from the gorge, which is about 300 feet deep. The injured soldiers have been transported to the field hospital in Poonch, with one in critical condition.
“A 2.5-ton vehicle, part of a convoy of six, went off the operational track in Balnoi and fell into a deep gorge. This operational track is situated on the home side of the LoC fence,” the Defence spokesperson detailed.
He noted that the five soldiers died instantly, and one injured soldier is in serious condition at the Army base hospital in Poonch. The five injured are being treated at Poonch Hospital, with some expected to be airlifted to the Command hospital tomorrow morning.
The Army has, meanwhile, eliminated the possibility of a terrorist incident. “We have definitively ruled out a terrorist-related incident after reconfirming with ground sources. Our post is located approximately 130 meters from the site of the incident and a backup vehicle was merely 40 meters away,” he explained. In the meantime, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed profound regret over the tragic loss of Army personnel in Poonch due to the vehicle accident.
In a message of condolence, the Lt Governor articulated, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of our courageous Army personnel due to this tragic accident in Poonch sector. My heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving families, and I pray for the swift recovery of those injured.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also shared his sorrow and heartfelt condolences regarding the demise of five soldiers in the incident.
The Chief Minister extended his deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased soldiers, according to a spokesperson.
Abdullah also prayed for the rapid recovery of the soldiers injured in the tragedy.
The Northern Command indicated, “Lt General M V Suchindra Kumar and all personnel of Dhruva Command extend their deepest condolences for the tragic loss of five brave soldiers.”
“Dhruva Command stands resolutely with the families in this moment of grief,” the Command noted on X.
All ranks of the White Knight Corps also conveyed their deepest condolences, stating, “Rescue operations are ongoing, and the injured personnel are receiving medical attention,” as reported by the White Knight Corps on X.