A tragic road accident struck Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday as a bus carrying 23 personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) skidded off a steep road and plunged into a deep gorge near the Basantgarh area on the Khander-Kudwa stretch. The mishap claimed the lives of three brave CRPF jawans and left several others critically injured.
According to initial reports, the vehicle lost control while negotiating a sharp bend along the mountainous route. The remote location of the accident posed challenges for immediate response, but swift action from local residents and emergency services helped launch a large-scale rescue operation within minutes of the crash.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who hails from the Udhampur region, shared his deep concern on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “Udhampur: Disturbing to receive the news of a road accident involving a CRPF vehicle in the Kandva-Basantgarh area. The vehicle was carrying several brave jawans of the CRPF,” he posted.
He further informed that he had spoken to Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai, who is personally overseeing the rescue operation on site. “Rescue measures have been initiated immediately. Locals have voluntarily come forward to assist. All possible help is being ensured,” the minister assured in his message.
Visuals from the accident site depict a grim scene of destruction, with the CRPF vehicle severely damaged and lying amidst dense forest at the base of the gorge. Emergency personnel, including teams from the police, fire department, and the local administration, have been working tirelessly to pull out survivors and recover the bodies of the deceased.
Many of the injured jawans have been airlifted or transported via ambulances to nearby hospitals in Udhampur and Jammu. Medical teams are on high alert to provide urgent care to the victims, some of whom are reported to be in critical condition.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation, although preliminary inputs suggest the driver may have lost control due to slippery conditions or a technical failure. The exact details will be confirmed after a full inquiry.
This tragic incident once again highlights the dangers faced by security forces deployed in remote and hilly terrains across India. While these jawans are trained to counter the nation’s toughest security challenges, accidents like these serve as a somber reminder of the risks they face even off the battlefield.
Condolences have begun pouring in from across the country, with citizens and leaders alike saluting the bravery of the fallen soldiers and praying for the swift recovery of the injured.
Further updates will follow as more details emerge and the identities of the deceased are officially confirmed by the CRPF and local authorities.
