Army Vehicle Plunges Into Gorge In Ladakh; JCO Among 9 Jawans Dead

In a tragic incident, at least nine Indian Army soldiers lost their lives and one sustained injury after their vehicle went off a steep gorge in Ladakh, according to news agency PTI. The accident took place at Kerey in southern Ladakh's Nyoma Saturday evening, the officials said. The deceased also include two Junior Commissioned Officers. (JCOs). The injured soldier has been admitted to a hospital.

A rescue operation is currently in progress at the scene, as per official reports. "Numerous others have sustained injuries in the incident. The soldiers were en route from Karu garrison to Kyari near Leh. A considerable number of troops have also been injured in the mishap. Further details are yet to be provided," stated Defense officials.

"The fatality count has risen to nine, with one individual sustaining injuries," they added.

Senior Superintendent of Police of Leh P D Nitya said the Army vehicle, with 10 personnel on board, was on its way to Nyoma from Leh when its driver lost control and it plunged into a gorge at 4.45 pm.

A police team rushed to the spot and all the injured soldiers were shifted to an Army medical facility where eight personnel were declared dead. Another jawan died subsequently, she said.

The officer said one more jawan was undergoing treatment and his condition was stated to be ''critical''.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoled the death of nine Indian Army personnel in a road accident near Leh, as reported by PTI. ''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,'' the defence minister said on 'X', formerly Twitter.

''My thoughts are with the bereaved families. The injured personnel have been rushed to the Field Hospital. Praying for their speedy recovery,'' Singh said, without mentioning the number of soldiers killed and injured in the accident.

It may be recalled, on May 15, 2023, an army vehicle transporting 26 soldiers met with a tragic incident in the Turtuk sector of Ladakh, where it veered into a deep gorge. In this unfortunate event, seven soldiers lost their lives, while 18 others sustained injuries.

The vehicle was en route from Leh to Turtuk when it met with the accident.