Suhail Rather
Bandipora, Jan 04 (KNS): Four Soldiers lost lives while two sustained injuries in a tragic road accident in the Saderkote Payeen area of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Saturday.
The incident occurred when an Army vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a 500-meter-deep gorge near Saderkoot Payeen.
An official told Kashmir News Service (KNS) that the accident was caused by poor visibility and inclement weather conditions. The vehicle was part of a Road Opening Party (RoP) of 13 Rashtriya Rifles and veered off the Bandipora-Srinagar road near SK Payeen, falling into the gorge, he said.
“Immediately after the accident, Army personnel, residents, and police rushed to the spot to assist the injured and transport them to the Bandipora District Hospital,” the official said.
“Unfortunately, two soldiers were declared dead upon arrival at the hospital, while the remaining four soldiers were transferred to a Srinagar hospital for further treatment. Sadly, two more soldiers succumbed to their injuries while on their way to the hospital. The other two are in critical condition," he added.
The Army said that the accident was due to adverse weather conditions and low visibility, adding that the soldiers were promptly evacuated with the help of local Kashmiri residents.
"The vehicle skidded and fell into the george due to inclement weather and poor visibility. The injured soldiers were evacuated for medical treatment with the assistance of residents. We express our sincere gratitude to them and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers," the statement by Chinar Corps on "X" read.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his deep grief over the loss of the soldiers. "I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives of Indian Army personnel in Bandipora. Our nation is forever grateful for their selfless service and sacrifice. My thoughts and condolences are with the bereaved families, and I pray for the swift recovery of the injured," he said in his message.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed sorrow, offering his condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers. "I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Bandipora. We salute the selfless service of the soldiers. My heartfelt condolences to the grieving families, and I pray for the quick recovery of the injured soldiers," he said.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also extended their condolences and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls and a speedy recovery to the injured soldiers.
MLA Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed to Almighty for strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss.
Bhat also prayed for the speedy recovery of those who were injured in this tragic accident.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives of brave Army soldiers in the tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families. I also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured soldiers,” he said. (KNS)