J&K Accident: Army Truck Falls 300 Feet into Gorge, 5 Soldiers Killed

Poonch : A tragic accident struck the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, claiming the lives of five soldiers and leaving several others injured. The incident occurred when an army truck plunged into a 300-foot-deep gorge near the Line of Control (LoC), sparking a large-scale rescue operation led by the White Knight Corps.

The injured soldiers were promptly rushed to a private hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. The White Knight Corps has expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers, while efforts to retrieve and stabilize the injured are ongoing.

Details of the Incident

Police officials confirmed that the accident happened at approximately 5:40 PM on Tuesday. The vehicle, part of the 11 Maratha Light Infantry, was en route from Neelam Headquarters to Balnoi Ghora Post near the LoC when it skidded off the road and tumbled into the gorge.

The crash resulted in 10 soldiers, including the driver, sustaining severe injuries, of whom five tragically succumbed to their wounds.

Rescue and Relief Efforts

Emergency rescue teams, including army personnel and local authorities, quickly mobilized to the site. The challenging terrain complicated the operation, but injured soldiers were evacuated to nearby medical facilities. The army has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to support the victims and their families during this difficult time.

Recurring Tragedies in the Region

This is not the first instance of such devastating accidents involving military vehicles in the region.

  • April 29, 2023: An army ambulance fell into a 200-foot-deep gorge in Rajouri, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers.
  • August 19, 2023: Another army vehicle plunged into a 60-foot-deep ravine, claiming the lives of nine soldiers.

These incidents underscore the dangers faced by the armed forces while navigating the rugged terrains of Jammu & Kashmir.