In a devastating incident, a fatal mishap occurred in Ladakh on Saturday, resulting in the loss of nine army personnel’s lives as their truck veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge.

Lieutenant Colonel PS Sidhu, the Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO) in Leh, confirmed the heart-wrenching toll, stating, “The death toll has risen to nine, while one individual sustained injuries.”

The unfortunate accident unfolded during a convoy’s journey from Leh to Kiari. According to the defence official, “One vehicle went offroad leading to the mishap.”

The ill-fated team consisted of three officers, two Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), and 34 jawans. They were traveling in a convoy of three vehicles, comprising a Maruti Gypsy, a truck, and an ambulance.

This army contingent was reportedly affiliated with the 311 Medium Regiment (artillery), and the convoy’s route was from Leh to Nyoma.

Details reveal that at approximately 6:45 PM, tragedy struck 6 km before reaching Kiari. An Ashok Leyland Stallion (ALS) vehicle, part of the convoy, skidded and plunged into the valley. Among the 10 personnel on board, nine lost their lives, and one suffered injuries. The injured individual has been transported to a hospital for medical care.

Indian Army officials conveyed, “An ALS (Ashok Leyland Stallion) vehicle which was moving as part of a convoy from Leh to Nyoma, skidded into the valley at approximately 5:45-6 PM, seven km short of Kiari. There were 10 personnel traveling in the vehicle out of which nine died and one got injured. The injured personnel has been shifted to the hospital.”

The incident marks a somber day as the nation mourns the loss of these brave souls who dedicated themselves to serving their country.