At least two Indian soldiers were killed, and three others injured when an army vehicle veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge near the Wular Viewpoint in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district on Saturday.
Dr. Masarat Iqbal Wani, medical superintendent of the District Hospital Bandipora, told ANI: "5 injured were brought here, out of which 2 were brought dead, 3 injured who were in critical condition have been referred to Srinagar for further treatment."
VIDEO | Jammu and Kashmir: Two soldiers dead and three injured after an Army vehicle skidded off the road in Bandipora. Further details awaited.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 4, 2025
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/gdAQMTUguh
The tragic accident comes just a week after another mishap along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district, where five soldiers died and five others, including the driver, were critically injured after a convoy vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a Nullah (rivulet). Officials ruled out any terrorist involvement in both incidents.
#WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir: 2 soldiers died, 3 injured after an Army vehicle veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge near the Wular Viewpoint in the Bandipora district pic.twitter.com/lQ8MAoY9ca
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2025
Adverse weather conditions, including a severe cold wave and dense fog, have been affecting the Kashmir Valley for the past month. The meteorological department has issued a 'yellow' alert for Saturday and an 'orange' alert for Sunday, warning of heavy snowfall in middle and higher reaches.
Authorities have cautioned residents to limit unnecessary travel to prevent accidents and disruptions as weather conditions are expected to deteriorate further. Temporary disruptions to road and air transportation are also anticipated.