Army vehicle falls into gorge in Ladakh; JCO among 9 personnel killed
The ill-fated truck carried a team from the 311 Medium Regiment (artillery) of the Indian Army. The convoy consisted of three vehicles -- a Maruti Gypsy, a truck, and an ambulance -- and included three officers, two JCOs, and 34 jawans.
FollowIn an unfortunate incident, a junior commissioned officer (JCO) was among nine soldiers who lost their lives, while another soldier sustained injuries, when an army truck, part of a three-vehicle reconnaissance patrol, veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge near Kiari in Leh district on Saturday evening.
The convoy, en route from Leh to Kiari, was tragically affected by the mishap, which occurred around 7 pm, according to officials.
Leh-based defence spokesperson Lt Col PS Sidhu explained that the tragic event unfolded when the army truck deviated from the road, leading to the unfortunate loss of nine soldiers, including a JCO, and injuring another.
Leh SSP, PD Nitya, revealed that the accident transpired at approximately 6:45 pm, as an army vehicle carrying 10 personnel, including the driver, was en route from Leh to Nyoma. The vehicle skidded off the road, tumbling into a deep gorge. Immediate action was taken by the local police, who swiftly launched a rescue operation. All injured individuals were transported to the army's MI room.
Tragically, eight personnel succumbed to their injuries at the accident site. Another soldier, initially injured, passed away while being transported to the Leh hospital, bringing the death toll to nine. An additional soldier remains in critical condition.
According to a statement by Indian Army officials, an Ashok Leyland Stallion (ALS) vehicle, travelling as part of a convoy from Leh to Nyoma, veered into the valley at approximately 5:45-6 PM, just seven kilometres short of Kiari. Out of the ten personnel aboard the vehicle, nine lost their lives and one was injured. The injured soldier has been transferred to a hospital for medical attention.
The ill-fated truck carried a team from the 311 Medium Regiment (artillery) of the Indian Army. The convoy consisted of three vehicles -- a Maruti Gypsy, a truck, and an ambulance -- and included three officers, two JCOs, and 34 jawans.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh mourned the loss of lives in the accident. Taking to micro-blogging site X (formerly Twitter), Rajnath said: "Saddened by the loss of Indian Army personnel due to an accident near Leh in Ladakh. We will never forget their exemplary service to our nation. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. The injured personnel have been rushed to the Field Hospital. Praying for their speedy recovery."
