Adverse weather conditions, poor visibility caused accident, investigation underway: Official; bodies handed over to respective units; political leaders offer condolences
BANDIPORA: Four soldiers lost their lives, and two others sustained critical injuries when an Army vehicle skidded off the Bandipora-Srinagar road and plunged into a deep gorge near Suderkoot-Payeen, close to the Wular sunset point in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Saturday, officials said.
An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the accident occurred due to poor visibility and adverse weather conditions. He said the vehicle veered off the road near SK Payeen and fell into a deep gorge, resulting in serious injuries to six soldiers.
“Police, Army personnel and local residents immediately rushed to the spot to rescue the injured soldiers and evacuate them to the district hospital,” the official said. “Two soldiers were declared dead on arrival at the Bandipora District Hospital, while the other four were shifted to a Srinagar hospital for advanced treatment. Tragically, two more soldiers succumbed to their injuries en route to the hospital. The remaining two are in critical condition.”
The deceased soldiers have been identified as Lance Naik Jitender, Havildar Hari Ram, Gunner Nitesh and Pawan Kumar. The injured soldiers are Havildar Balappa and Lance Naik Garili.
The Army said the accident occurred due to inclement weather and poor visibility conditions. In a statement, the Chinar Corps expressed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and gratitude to the local Kashmiri citizens for their swift assistance during the rescue operations.
“On 04 Jan 2024, while performing duty in Bandipora District, a vehicle of the Indian Army skidded and fell into a gorge due to adverse weather conditions and poor visibility. Injured soldiers were promptly evacuated for medical care with assistance from Kashmiri locals, for which we express our gratitude. Tragically, three bravehearts lost their lives in the unfortunate accident. The Indian Army extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” the statement read.
The bodies of the deceased soldiers were handed over to their respective units after completing the necessary legal formalities, a police officer said, adding that an investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the tragic accident.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families. “Deeply grieved by the loss of lives of Indian Army personnel due to a tragic road accident in Bandipora. The nation is deeply grateful for their service and commitment. My condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said in his condolence message.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed profound sorrow. “Deeply pained to hear about the terrible tragedy in Bandipora. We salute the selfless service of the soldiers. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and I pray for the swift recovery of the injured,” he said.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge mourned the loss of lives and urged authorities to take measures to prevent such incidents. “Deeply saddened by the tragic accident in Bandipora, where soldiers have lost their lives. We salute their selfless service. Authorities must take adequate safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said in a post on ‘X.’
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed her condolences. “The news of the martyrdom of our soldiers in Bandipora is deeply saddening. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured soldiers,” she said.
MLA Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat expressed grief and extended his sympathies to the families of the deceased soldiers. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives of brave Army soldiers in this tragic accident. My prayers are with the grieving families, and I hope for the speedy recovery of the injured soldiers,” he said.
This tragedy comes just a week after a similar incident in Poonch, where five soldiers lost their lives in a road accident.