In a devastating incident, a military truck belonging to a three-vehicle reconnaissance patrol veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge near Kiari in Leh district, resulting in the loss of nine soldiers’ lives, including a junior commissioned officer (JCO). The incident occurred on Saturday evening as the convoy was en route from Leh to Kiari, according to the Leh-based defense spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel PS Sidhu.
The convoy, consisting of a Maruti Gypsy, a truck, and an ambulance, carried three officers, two JCOs, and 34 jawans. Tragically, a total of nine soldiers lost their lives, and another was injured in the accident. The soldiers were on a journey from Leh to Nyoma when the Ashok Leyland Stallion (ALS) vehicle skidded off the road and tumbled into the gorge around 6:45 pm, merely 6 km short of Kiari.
Leh Senior Superintendent of Police, PD Nitya, recounted the harrowing event, stating, “The vehicle skidded off the road and rolled down into a deep gorge. As soon as the reports reached local police, a police team rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation.” The injured soldiers were swiftly transported to the army’s MI room for medical attention.
Unfortunately, eight soldiers died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries during transit to Leh hospital. One soldier remains in critical condition, underscoring the severity of the accident. An official statement from the Indian Army provided insight into the incident: “An ALS vehicle which was moving as part of a convoy from Leh to Nyoma, skidded into the valley at approximately 5:45-6 PM, seven km short of Kiari.”
The ill-fated truck reportedly belonged to the 311 Medium Regiment (artillery), and the army is yet to release the official list of the deceased personnel. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and challenges faced by military personnel, even during routine operations.
Sources By Agencies
