Army vehicle accident in Poonch: One soldier killed hailed from Karnataka's Belagavi

Five Indian Army soldiers tragically lost their lives and five others sustained injuries when their vehicle skidded off a road in the Pir Panjal Valley in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir. The accident occurred on Tuesday evening near the Gharoa area as the convoy was en route from Nilam Headquarters to Balnoi Ghora Post.

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The vehicle reportedly plunged into a gorge approximately 300-350 feet deep after the driver is believed to have lost control at a turn. Rescue operations were immediately launched by the Army’s White Knight Corps, which oversees the Rajouri-Poonch sector. The injured soldiers are currently receiving medical treatment.

Among the deceased was Subedar Dayananda Tirkanna, a native of Belagavi, Karnataka. His body, along with those of the other soldiers, is expected to reach Belagavi tomorrow. Of the five soldiers who lost their lives, two hailed from Belagavi district, underscoring the region's contribution to the armed forces.

The Army has ruled out any terrorism-related activity as the cause of the incident, stating that the exact reason is under investigation. Officials expressed their condolences to the bereaved families.

The tragic incident has drawn widespread sorrow and sympathy from across the country, including from political leaders and the state government. Families of the deceased are being supported during this difficult time.