GUWAHATI: At least five soldiers lost their lives and eight others sustained injuries when an Army vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge in Poonch district on Tuesday, December 24. The accident occurred during operational duty in the Gharoa area, as the vehicle was en route to Banoi.
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According to reports, the vehicle veered off the road and fell approximately 300-350 feet into a deep gorge. The mishap, which took place around 5:20 pm, involved a 2.5-ton Army vehicle that was part of a convoy of six vehicles. The Army spokesperson confirmed that the ill-fated vehicle was carrying ten soldiers at the time of the accident. Five soldiers were killed on the spot, while five others sustained serious injuries.
Nearby Army personnel, stationed just 130 metres from the accident site, launched immediate rescue operations. A backup vehicle located barely 40 metres away from the site also joined in the efforts. The injured soldiers were promptly evacuated and are receiving medical care.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver may have lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a turn on the operational track. The Army is conducting a detailed inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.
The Indian Army’s 16 Corps expressed their grief over the tragic incident, saying "All ranks of #WhiteKnightCorps extend their deepest condolences on the tragic loss of five brave soldiers in a vehicle accident during operational duty in the #Poonch sector," the Corps posted on X.
Further details are awaited.
