Iccha Sharma, Pune
A tragic accident occurred in the Leh district of Ladakh, resulting in the deaths of nine soldiers. The incident took place when a military truck skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge. According to reports from defence officials, the accident happened in the evening around 6:30 p.m. in the Kerry area of southern Ladakh’s Nyoma. Additionally, one official sustained injuries in the accident.
Among the deceased were eight soldiers and one Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO). The truck was en route from the Karu garrison to Kyari near Leh when the accident occurred, approximately 7 kilometers ahead of Kyari town. The truck was part of a convoy that included an SUV and an ambulance, making up a total of 34 personnel. The convoy was part of a reconnaissance party.
Prompt rescue efforts were initiated at the site of the accident to provide assistance and aid to the victims. Union Minister Amit Shah expressed his condolences on social media, offering sympathy to the families of the deceased soldiers. He described the accident as a vehicle falling into a gorge and mentioned that the nation stands in solidarity with the grieving families.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended his condolences to the bereaved families of the soldiers. He acknowledged the exemplary service of the Indian Army personnel and expressed his thoughts for the injured soldiers who were taken to a Field Hospital for medical care.
“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,” he tweeted.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi conveyed his sadness over the accident on his official Twitter account. He offered his tributes to the martyrs and expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives. He also wished a speedy recovery for the injured personnel.
The leader tweeted, ‘The news of the martyrdom of many of our soldiers in the accident of the army vehicle in Ladakh is very sad. I pay my humble tribute to all the martyrs. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the Jawans. I hope for the speedy recovery of the injured.”