Key Points
- A CRPF bus with 23 personnel fell into a 200-foot gorge in Udhampur, J&K, on August 7, 2025.
- Three jawans lost their lives, with at least 15 others injured, five critically.
- The accident occurred around 10:30am on the Kandva–Basantgarh road as jawans were returning from an operation.
- Immediate rescue was launched with local police, Army helicopters, and residents assisting.
- Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep condolences and are monitoring relief efforts.
- Investigation underway into accident cause; preliminary reports cite possible poor road or technical failure but no official confirmation yet.
Udhampur: A tragic accident struck Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Thursday morning, August 7, 2025, when a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) vehicle carrying 23 jawans overturned and plunged into a deep 200-foot gorge near Kandva, Basantgarh. Three CRPF personnel were killed on the spot, and 15 others were injured, some critically. The accident occurred around 10:30am as the personnel from the 187th battalion were returning from an operation.
Rescue and Relief Operations
Immediately after the incident, police, local administration, and rescue teams rushed to the accident site and began relief efforts. Critically injured jawans were airlifted by Army helicopters or transported to nearby Basantgarh hospitals for urgent care. Locals played a significant role by assisting rescuers even before officials arrived. According to officials, the swift evacuation helped save lives.
National Grief and Official Response
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and local MP, Dr. Jitendra Singh, called the incident “disturbing,” expressing his deep sorrow via an X (formerly Twitter) post. He confirmed communication with Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai, who is directly coordinating ongoing relief and rescue on the ground. Dr. Singh emphasized that “all possible help is being ensured at a war footing,” acknowledging the voluntary efforts of locals alongside authorities.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also mourned the loss, praising the jawans’ “exemplary service to the nation” and ordering the best available care for the injured and support for bereaved families.
Investigation Launched
Questions are emerging about how the accident happened, with preliminary suggestions ranging from poor road conditions to possible technical faults in the bus. However, authorities have not released official findings. A detailed inquiry has been ordered to establish the exact cause.
Tribute to the Brave
The sacrifice of the three CRPF jawans has been widely mourned by locals as well as national leaders, who assured the families of every possible support. The fallen soldiers will be honored with full military rites after identification and official confirmation.
