According to Chinar Corps, the accident took place due to adverse weather and poor visibility conditions.
At least four soldiers lost their lives and a few others suffered injuries after an Indian Army vehicle skidded off the road in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district and fell into a deep gorge near the Wular Viewpoint on Saturday.
The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps said that the accident took place due to adverse weather and poor visibility conditions.
“Injured soldiers were promptly evacuated for medical care with assistance from Kashmiri locals, for which we express gratitude towards the citizens in providing immediate succor,” their post on X read.
“Tragically three bravehearts lost their lives in the unfortunate accident. Indian Army extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” it added.
Later, the Chinar Corps shared an updated saying that another soldier had succumbed to his injuries while being evacuated, taking the total toll to 4.
Dr Masarabat Iqbal Wani , Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora earlier told ANI that five soldiers were brought to the facility, of which two were brought dead and the rest three were critically injured. The three soldiers were then referred to Srinagar, he added.
The incident comes just a week after five soldiers fied and five others, including the driver, sustained critical injuries after vehicle skidded off the road along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch District on Tuesday evening.
The vehicle was part of a six-vehicle convoy and at the time of the incident, it went off the road near Poonch and plunged into a Nullah (rivulet).
Officials ruled out a terrorist-initiated incident after confirmation from the ground sources in this regard.
Notably, cold wave conditions have been rocking the valley since the last month, with a thick layer of fog engulfing parts of Kashmir on Saturday.
Weather officials said that there is a possibility of heavy snowfall over the middle and higher reaches of the valley.
A “yellow” alert was also issued by the MeT department for Saturday and an “Orange” alert for Sunday with a heavy snow warning.
There could be temporary disruptions in the surface and air transportation especially on Sunday, it warned.
In view of the weather office’s forecast, officials have also asked people to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel amid such adverse weather conditions to ensure safety and reduce disruptions.