Daijiworld Media Network - Udhampur

Udhampur, Aug 7: In a tragic incident on Thursday, three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans lost their lives and ten others sustained injuries when their vehicle met with a fatal accident in the Basantgarh region of Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district.

According to officials, the CRPF personnel were travelling through the mountainous terrain when their vehicle veered off the road and tumbled into a deep gorge. The accident occurred after the driver reportedly lost control on a steep stretch of the route.

Emergency rescue efforts were launched immediately, with local residents joining authorities in helping evacuate the injured from the crash site. Among the ten injured jawans, five are reported to be in critical condition and have been airlifted by Army helicopters to specialized medical facilities for advanced treatment.

"Three jawans died on the spot," confirmed officials at the scene, describing the incident as a severe road mishap.

Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and local MP Jitendra Singh expressed his concern over the accident on social media platform X. “Disturbing to receive the news of a road accident involving a CRPF vehicle in the Kandva–Basantgarh area. I’ve spoken with DC Saloni Rai, who is closely monitoring the situation. Rescue operations are underway, and locals have stepped in to assist,” he stated.

The accident once again highlights the increasing number of road mishaps in Jammu and Kashmir’s hilly districts. Traffic authorities attribute these incidents largely to rash driving, speeding, and the challenges posed by treacherous mountain roads. Districts like Udhampur, Ramban, Rajouri, Doda, Poonch, and Kishtwar have seen a spike in such tragic events.

To address this growing concern, special traffic enforcement squads have been deployed in vulnerable zones across these regions, aiming to curb dangerous driving behaviors and reduce fatal accidents.