Casspir vehicle skids off Bhaderwah–Chamba highway during routine surveillance, falls nearly 250 feet near Khanni Top
At least 10 Army soldiers lost their lives and 11 others were injured in a tragic road accident after a military vehicle plunged into a deep gorge on the Bhaderwah–Chamba interstate highway on Thursday morning.
According to official sources, a Casspir vehicle of the Army’s Rashtriya Rifles unit, stationed at Bhaderwah, was carrying 21 jawans who were on routine surveillance duty in the higher reaches of the area. The accident occurred around 10 am near Khanni Top, a mountainous stretch located at an altitude of approximately 9,000 feet above sea level.
Reports said the vehicle skidded off the road under unclear circumstances and fell into a gorge estimated to be around 250 feet deep, resulting in multiple casualties. The impact caused severe injuries to several personnel, while others were trapped inside the wreckage.
The Casspir, a South African-designed Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, is known for its V-shaped hull, designed to deflect mine blasts and protect occupants during hostile operations. However, the steep terrain and depth of the gorge proved fatal in this incident.
Rescue operations were immediately launched with the help of Army personnel, local authorities, and emergency responders. The injured soldiers were evacuated to nearby medical facilities, where some are stated to be in critical condition.
The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the region, with senior Army officials expressing grief over the loss of lives. An inquiry has reportedly been ordered to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.
Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for the fallen soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty while serving in challenging terrain.
According to official sources, a Casspir vehicle of the Army’s Rashtriya Rifles unit, stationed at Bhaderwah, was carrying 21 jawans who were on routine surveillance duty in the higher reaches of the area. The accident occurred around 10 am near Khanni Top, a mountainous stretch located at an altitude of approximately 9,000 feet above sea level.
Reports said the vehicle skidded off the road under unclear circumstances and fell into a gorge estimated to be around 250 feet deep, resulting in multiple casualties. The impact caused severe injuries to several personnel, while others were trapped inside the wreckage.
The Casspir, a South African-designed Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, is known for its V-shaped hull, designed to deflect mine blasts and protect occupants during hostile operations. However, the steep terrain and depth of the gorge proved fatal in this incident.
Rescue operations were immediately launched with the help of Army personnel, local authorities, and emergency responders. The injured soldiers were evacuated to nearby medical facilities, where some are stated to be in critical condition.
The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the region, with senior Army officials expressing grief over the loss of lives. An inquiry has reportedly been ordered to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.
Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for the fallen soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty while serving in challenging terrain.
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