SRINAGAR, Jan 4:
Tragically, four army personnel lost their lives and another was injured when their vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge due to adverse weather conditions and poor visibility in Bandipora district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Saturday. This incident marks the second such accident in less than two weeks. The accident took place near SK Payen while the soldiers were on duty, as confirmed by officials. The area experienced snowfall on Thursday, leading to foggy conditions on Saturday.
The Army reported that “during their duty in Bandipora District, an Indian Army vehicle skidded and fell into a gorge due to inclement weather and poor visibility.” The injured soldiers were swiftly evacuated for medical attention, with assistance from local residents, for which the Army’s Chinar Corps expressed gratitude. “Unfortunately, three brave soldiers lost their lives in this tragic incident, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to their families,” the Corps stated, later revealing that “one more soldier succumbed to injuries.”
Tributes flowed from various leaders, including Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, all of whom extended their condolences to the soldiers’ families. Kharge urged relevant authorities to implement measures to prevent such accidents in adverse weather conditions.
This tragic event comes just weeks after a similar incident on December 24, when five soldiers were killed and five more injured when an army vehicle rolled off a 300-foot gorge in Poonch while moving from Nilam Headquarters to Balnoi Ghora Post.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “The nation remains grateful for their service and dedication. My condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for the swift recovery of the injured.” Chief Minister Abdullah offered his sympathies, praying for strength for the families during this challenging time.
“We honor their selfless service to the nation. Our thoughts are with the injured soldiers, and we hope for their quick and complete recovery,” Kharge shared on X. Rahul Gandhi, referring to the Poonch incident as well, called for necessary actions to avert future accidents. He paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and expressed his heartfelt condolences to their families.
Altaf Bukhari, leader of the Apni Party, also expressed his condolences for the loss of lives.
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