Tragedy in Poonch: Army Vehicle Plunges into Gorge, 5 Soldiers Martyred, Rescue Operations Underway

Key Points

1. Fatal Accident: An Army vehicle carrying 8 soldiers plunged into a 300-350 feet deep gorge in the Balnoi area of Mendhar subdivision, Poonch district.
2. Casualties: Five soldiers were martyred, and the remaining are seriously injured.
3. Rescue Operations Initiated: Quick Reaction Team (QRT) of 11 MLI promptly reached the accident site and began evacuation efforts.
4. Similar Incidents in the Region: Recent accidents in Jammu and Kashmir have claimed multiple lives due to treacherous terrain and extreme weather conditions.

Srinagar: A tragic accident has occurred in the Balnoi area of Mendhar subdivision in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, where an Indian Army vehicle carrying eight soldiers plunged into a deep gorge. The incident took place while the vehicle, belonging to the 11 MLI unit, was en route from Neelam headquarters to the Balnoi Ghora post. Five soldiers lost their lives, while the others sustained severe injuries.

Details of the Incident

The Army vehicle veered off the road and fell approximately 300-350 feet into a gorge near the Ghora post. Rescue operations were launched immediately by the Quick Reaction Team (QRT) of 11 MLI, which reached the site to evacuate the injured and recover the bodies of the deceased soldiers.

While the exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined, challenging terrain and weather conditions in the region are believed to be significant contributing factors.

Casualty and Rescue Update

• Fatalities: Five soldiers have been martyred in this tragic accident.
• Injured: The remaining three soldiers have been evacuated and are being transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The Army has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. Senior military officers have reached the site to oversee rescue and recovery efforts.

Pattern of Tragic Accidents in Jammu and Kashmir

This accident is the latest in a series of similar tragedies in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the risks posed by the region’s challenging topography and harsh weather conditions.

• Rajouri Accident (November 4): A military vehicle in the Kalakot area crashed, leading to the martyrdom of Naik Badri Lal, while another soldier, Sepoy Jai Prakash, sustained injuries.
• Reasi District Incident (November 2): A civilian vehicle slipped off a mountainous road, resulting in the death of a woman, her 10-month-old son, and another passenger.

Possible Contributing Factors

1. Treacherous Terrain: The steep and narrow roads in Jammu and Kashmir are prone to accidents, especially in remote areas like Balnoi.
2. Weather Conditions: Increasing cold and occasional snowfall have made the roads slippery and visibility poor, contributing to such mishaps.
3. Vehicle Load and Maintenance: The frequent use of military vehicles under challenging conditions adds to the risk of mechanical failures.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by military personnel and civilians in the difficult terrains of Jammu and Kashmir. The Army is expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

As the nation mourns the loss of these brave soldiers, efforts continue to ensure the safety of personnel operating in such high-risk areas.