Pahalgam, 16th August 2022: A major accident took place in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday (August 16). The bus carrying Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawans fell into a valley in the Chandanwadi area. 7 jawans have died in the accident, including 6 ITBP and 1 policeman. 32 jawans are injured out of which 8 are in critical condition.
Police officials said that the seriously injured jawans have been airlifted to the Army Hospital in Srinagar for treatment. Other injured jawans are being treated at the hospital in Anantnag.
According to the information given by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, 39 soldiers were on board the bus. Among them, 37 were ITBP jawans and 2 personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The accident happened due to the failure of the brakes of the bus.
“Two personnel of the ITBP died on the spot, while five others later died due to their injuries,” the police officer said. The casualties are expected to rise. He said that a Border Security Force (BSF) helicopter has been deployed to carry the dead bodies.
Police officials said that the jawans in the bus were returning from Amarnath Yatra duty. ITBP commandos have been dispatched to the spot so that the rescue operation can be expedited.
President Draupadi Murmu expressed grief over the death of ITBP personnel. Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted, “I am saddened by the loss of precious lives of ITBP personnel in the unfortunate accident in Anantnag. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi expressed grief over the accident and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
He tweeted, “Very sad to hear that a bus carrying 39 ITBP personnel fell into a gorge in Pahalgam area of J&K. I wish the injured jawans a speedy recovery and the souls of the deceased soldiers rest in peace. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families.”