Three CRPF Jawans Killed, 15 Injured in Udhampur Road Mishap
Jammu, August 7: In a tragic incident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel lost their lives and 15 others sustained injuries after the vehicle they were travelling in plunged into a deep nallah on Thursday morning. The mishap occurred at approximately 10:30 am in the Kadwa area while the CRPF team was returning to base after a security operation in the remote Basantgarh region.
The ill-fated vehicle, belonging to the 187 Battalion of the CRPF, was carrying 23 personnel when it veered off the narrow hilly road under uncertain circumstances and rolled several feet down into the gorge. According to initial reports, two jawans died on the spot due to the impact, while 16 others were immediately rushed to the nearest medical facility for emergency treatment. Despite efforts to save them, one more jawan succumbed to injuries at the hospital, raising the official death toll to three.
The accident triggered an immediate response from the local administration and security forces. Rescue teams, aided by local residents, carried out evacuation and recovery operations amid challenging terrain. Several injured jawans were later referred to better-equipped hospitals for specialized care.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed grief over the incident in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “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. I have just now spoken to DC Ms. Saloni Rai, who is personally monitoring the situation and keeping me updated. Rescue measures have been initiated immediately. Locals have voluntarily come forward to assist. All possible help being ensured.”
The condition of some of the injured jawans is reported to be critical. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of mechanical failure or treacherous road conditions as contributing factors to the accident, and an inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by security personnel operating in difficult terrains of Jammu and Kashmir, where narrow roads, unpredictable weather, and steep gorges pose constant danger. The sacrifice of the CRPF jawans has evoked widespread condolences across the region.
