Locals rescue injured soldiers after army vehicle falls into gorge in Bandipora

Bandipora, Jan 4: Four soldiers died after their vehicle skidded off the road in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Saturday.

The vehicle, belonging to the 13 RR of the Army coming from Aragam camp skidded near the dangerous Churthung curve in Saderkoot Payeen village, and fell into a deep gorge, resulting in injuries to six Army personnel.

Officials at the Bandipora District Hospital said that as soon as the news of the accident broke, Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) were alerted and hospital hooters were sounded declaring an emergency.

Soon after, five of the six injured personnel were brought to the hospital.

“Two were declared dead on arrival,” Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora, Dr Masarat told Greater Kashmir.

Officials said that the three critically injured soldiers were shifted for treatment to a Srinagar hospital.

However, one among the soldiers died on the way.

The Army later confirmed the four soldiers had died in the accident.

“While performing duty in Bandipora district, a vehicle of the Indian Army skidded and fell into the gorge due to inclement weather and poor visibility conditions,” the Army's Chinar Corps said in a post on microblogging site X.

“Injured soldiers were promptly evacuated for medical care with the assistance of local Kashmiris for which we express our gratitude towards them in providing immediate succour,” the Army statement said. “Tragically, three soldiers lost their lives in the accident.”

The Army extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

“One more soldier succumbed to the injuries sustained during the accident while being evacuated,” the Army spokesman said.

Locals Rush to Rescue

Locals of Saderkoot Payeen near the accident spot rushed to the scene of the accident to help the injured Army personnel.

“There were two loud bangs. Upon inquiring, we saw that a vehicle had into a gorge,” said Shahid Manzoor Ganaie, 18, a 12th-grade student, who also runs a small hotel in the village.

He said that all the men and women from the village rushed to rescue the accident victims.

“Two personnel seemed lifeless and one was unconscious,” Ganaie said.

“A soldier was lying there. I picked him up on my shoulders and brought him to the vehicle,” said Javid Hajam.

“The villagers provided drinking water to the injured and tried to comfort them but they seemed in a lot of pain,” locals said. “We quickly arranged four vehicles and rushed them to the hospital.”

A Deadly Road with a Grim History

The Bandipora road is considered dangerous due to its blind curves.

Nearly two decades ago, at least 50 people died meters away from Saturday’s accident spot, a tragic reminder of the risks the road poses.

“The remains of the vehicle lay near the same spot until recently,” elderly local Mushtaq Ahmad recounted standing near the accident spot.

There have been growing calls from the students, civil society, and politicians to grant highway status to the Bandipora-Srinagar road, which is infamous for the difficulty it poses to commute on and the time the journey takes.

“The road from Bandipora to Sumbal, which is around 30 km, is extremely narrow and curvy,” said Mushtaq Ahmad Khan from Nadihal village.

The locals said that it takes over an hour to reach Sumbal and it was almost impossible to overtake other vehicles on the road.

“I believe today’s accident also occurred while overtaking,” Khan said.

Meanwhile, condolences from various sections poured in to mourn the loss of lives in the accident.