In a heartbreaking incident, three Indian Army soldiers lost their lives, and two others sustained injuries after an Army vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge near the Wular Viewpoint in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Saturday.
Cause of the Accident
The accident occurred due to inclement weather and poor visibility conditions, as confirmed by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps. A statement shared on their official social media handle expressed gratitude to Kashmiri locals who assisted in the rescue operations.
“Injured soldiers were promptly evacuated for medical care with assistance from Kashmiri locals, for which we express gratitude towards the citizens in providing immediate succor,” the Chinar Corps posted.
The Army extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, mourning the loss of the “three bravehearts.”
Medical Response
According to Dr. Masarat Iqbal Wani, Medical Superintendent at District Hospital Bandipora, five soldiers were brought to the hospital. Tragically, two were declared dead on arrival, while three others, critically injured, were referred to Srinagar for advanced treatment.
Weather Conditions Add to Challenges
The region has been grappling with severe cold wave conditions, thick fog, and forecasts of heavy snowfall. The MeT department has issued alerts:
- A yellow alert for Saturday.
- An orange alert for Sunday, predicting heavy snowfall over middle and higher reaches.
Officials warned of potential disruptions in surface and air transportation and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel for safety.
Recent Similar Incident
This tragedy follows a similar accident just last week, where five soldiers died and five others, including the driver, were critically injured after a vehicle skidded off the road along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district. That vehicle was part of a six-vehicle convoy and had plunged into a Nullah (rivulet) due to poor road conditions.
Safety Precautions and Advisory
Given the adverse weather, authorities have advised:
- Caution during travel: Avoid unnecessary journeys, especially in snow-prone areas.
- Monitor weather updates: Stay informed about alerts issued by the MeT department.
- Emergency preparedness: Ensure proper safety measures are in place while traveling in challenging terrains.
This unfortunate incident highlights the relentless challenges faced by the armed forces, especially in adverse weather conditions. As the nation mourns the loss of its brave soldiers, it underscores the importance of ensuring safety and preparedness during extreme weather.
Our thoughts are with the families of the fallen heroes.
