Two CRPF personnel were martyred and 12 injured after a CRPF vehicle fell into a gorge in Udhampur. Locals assisted in the rescue operations after the accident. The Lieutenant Governor and Union Minister expressed their grief. An investigation is underway.
Jammu and Kashmir: A tragic road accident near Basantgarh in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir resulted in the martyrdom of two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, while 12 others were seriously injured. The accident occurred on August 6 on the Basantgarh-Kandwa road when a vehicle carrying CRPF personnel went out of control and plunged into a deep gorge. Immediately after the accident, local villagers displayed bravery by assisting the police and administration in relief and rescue operations.
Details of the Accident and Severity of the Situation
The incident occurred on Monday morning when the CRPF vehicle was passing through Basantgarh in Udhampur. Near Kandwa Mod, the driver suddenly lost control of the vehicle, and it fell into the gorge. The personnel in the vehicle were on their way to duty. Immediately after the accident, cries for help erupted, and local people started the rescue work without delay. After providing first aid at the primary health center in Basantgarh, the injured were sent to the Command Hospital in Udhampur with the help of helicopters and ambulances, where they are undergoing treatment. The condition of the seriously injured soldiers is said to be stable.
Swift Response from Police and Administration
Additional SP of Udhampur, Sandeep Bhat, informed the media that, "In this accident near Kandwa, two soldiers died on the spot and 12 others were injured. Police teams immediately reached the spot and launched a rescue operation with the help of local people." He also stated that the cause of the accident is currently under investigation, although initial information suggests that the accident may have been caused by the poor condition of the road or a technical fault in the vehicle.
Commendable Role of Local People
The local people were the first to arrive at the scene after the accident, and they rescued the soldiers by descending into the gorge without caring for their own lives. These people also played an important role in bringing the injured up with stretchers and temporary supports. Several eyewitnesses said that the gorge was very deep and it was a very challenging task to extract the injured soldiers from there, but the villagers helped the soldiers with courage and sensitivity.
Reactions of Government Leaders
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed deep grief over the incident, writing on social media platform 'X': 'Deeply saddened to hear about the CRPF vehicle accident in Kandwa-Basantgarh area. We salute the soldiers who were martyred in this accident. The promptness of the local people has accelerated the relief work. All possible help is being given to all the injured soldiers.'
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Expressed Grief
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, also expressed grief over the accident. In his condolence message, he said: 'Very sad about the CRPF vehicle accident in Udhampur. We will always remember the brave soldiers who lost their lives while performing their duty for the country. My deepest condolences to their families and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.'
Action by CRPF and Administration
The CRPF headquarters has also taken this accident seriously and orders have been given for a high-level inquiry. A forensic team has also been sent to the spot to find out the cause of the accident. Also, the families of the injured soldiers have been informed and complete arrangements are being made for their treatment.
Wave of Grief at the National Level
This painful accident has shaken not only Jammu and Kashmir but the entire country. People are paying tribute to the martyred soldiers on social media and wishing for the speedy recovery of the injured. This incident once again forces us to think about how important it is to provide better facilities and safe transportation to the security forces deployed in difficult areas.
