Ladakh/ An army truck fell into a river in the Ladakh region on Saturday. Nine soldiers, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), were killed and another was injured in the incident.
The accident reportedly took place on Saturday afternoon at Kiari in Nyoma area, 150 km from Leh, when an Army truck carrying 10 soldiers skidded off the road and fell into the river, officials said.
Rescue and relief operations were launched immediately after the accident, he said.
The jawans were on their way to Kiari from Karu Garrison when the accident took place.
Expressing his condolences, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on Twitter, “Saddened by the death of Indian Army personnel due to an accident near Leh in Ladakh. We will never forget his exemplary service to our nation. My sympathies are with the bereaved family. The injured personnel have been shifted to the field hospital. I pray for their speedy recovery.”
Reacting to the news, Union Home Minister Amit Shah in an ex-post said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Ladakh in which we lost our brave soldiers as their vehicle fell into a gorge. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. My heartfelt sympathies to them. I wish the injured to get well soon.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed anguish over the incident. “The news of the death of many of our soldiers in the accident in Ladakh is very sad. I pay homage to all the martyrs. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the jawans. I hope the injured recover soon.”
