In a devastating incident in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, five brave soldiers of the Indian Army lost their lives, and five others sustained injuries when their vehicle veered off course and plunged into a deep gorge in the Balnoi area of Mendhar on Tuesday. The tragic accident involved a vehicle from the 11 Madras Light Infantry (11 MLI), which was traveling from Nilam Headquarters to Balnoi Ghora Post. The vehicle fell approximately 350 feet into the steep and rugged terrain near its intended destination.
Authorities have ruled out any terrorist involvement in the accident. However, the exact cause of the mishap is currently being ascertained through investigations. Initial reports suggest the vehicle may have faced challenges navigating the treacherous terrain, which is known for its dangerous and winding roads.
Upon receiving the distress call, the Quick Reaction Team of 11 MLI quickly mobilized to the site to conduct a rescue operation under challenging conditions. Medical teams provided immediate aid to the injured soldiers, who are now being evacuated for advanced treatment at nearby medical facilities. The Indian Army is prioritizing their recovery while ensuring all necessary support for the families of the deceased.
The White Knight Corps expressed profound sorrow over the loss of these soldiers. In a heartfelt post on X, they stated, "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. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the injured personnel are receiving medical care."
Leaders across the nation have mourned the loss. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge extended his condolences, saying, "Deeply anguished by the terrible news of the martyrdom of five of our brave Indian Army soldiers in a vehicle tragedy in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of our brave hearts. We salute their sacrifice and selfless service to the nation. Our thoughts are with the injured, and we wish them a speedy and complete recovery."
This tragic event comes as the latest in a series of accidents in the region, underscoring the inherent risks faced by personnel operating in such difficult conditions. Last month, on November 4, another Army vehicle skidded off a road and plunged into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district. The accident claimed the life of Naik Badri Lal and left Sepoy Jai Prakash critically injured. Just two days earlier, a civilian vehicle met with a similar fate in the Reasi district, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including a woman and her 10-month-old child.
These repeated incidents highlight the challenges posed by the region's treacherous terrain, narrow roads, and unpredictable weather conditions. They also underline the urgent need for enhanced safety measures, including improved road infrastructure, better vehicle safety protocols, and increased training for operating in such environments.
The loss of these five soldiers is a reminder of the sacrifices made by the armed forces in their line of duty. Their dedication to serving the nation, even in perilous conditions, continues to inspire and uphold the values of bravery and resilience. The Indian Army, alongside local authorities, is committed to ensuring the well-being of its personnel and mitigating risks in challenging terrains to prevent such tragedies in the future.
