Three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed, and 15 others suffered injuries when a vehicle carrying them skidded off a mountainous road and rolled down a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Thursday, officials said.
The accident occurred near the Khooni Nallah area along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, when the vehicle, part of a CRPF convoy, lost control on a sharp bend and fell into the gorge.
“Immediate rescue operations were launched with assistance from the local police and civil administration. The injured personnel were evacuated and shifted to the district hospital,” a CRPF spokesperson said, adding that the three deceased jawans were from the 72nd battalion.
Senior officers of the paramilitary force and the local administration rushed to the site following the accident. Authorities believe the vehicle may have skidded or lost control on the narrow, hilly stretch, though the exact cause is yet to be determined. The terrain in Basantgarh, known for its treacherous roads, has often posed challenges to security and civilian movement.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief over the loss of lives, stating on X, “Pained by the loss of our brave CRPF jawans in an unfortunate road accident in Udhampur. My deepest condolences to the families of the martyred jawans. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
The accident comes at a time when heightened movement of security forces is under way in the Union Territory ahead of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations.
Additional Superintendent of Police, Sandeep Bhat, confirmed the casualties and said police teams were immediately rushed to the site to carry out rescue operations. “All the injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital for medical attention,” he added.
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Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Udhampur MP Jitendra Singh, in a post on social media platform X, called the incident “disturbing.” He wrote, “I have just now spoken to DC Saloni Rai, who is personally monitoring the situation and keeping me informed.”
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha expressed condolences over the loss of lives. “Saddened by the loss of CRPF personnel due to an accident near Udhampur. We will never forget their exemplary service to the nation,” he posted on X, while assuring that senior officials had been directed to provide the best possible care for the injured.
Locals in the area were reported to have come forward to assist in the immediate aftermath of the crash. The administration has promised full support to the bereaved families and survivors.
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