An army paratrooper was tragically killed in an accident on Tuesday in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, where an armoured vehicle carrying five commandos went down in a deep gorge, injuring five of them. The incident occurred in the district's Mankote sector while the soldiers were conducting operations against insurgents, according to officials.

The Army White Knight Corps confirm Lance Naik Baljeet Singh's death from the accident in a statement. According to the Army, the soldiers were engaged in counterinsurgency activities when their vehicle was involved in an accident later that evening in the border district's Mankote area. The earlier reports had shown that only four army personnel suffered injuries from the unfortunate accident. The later reports, however, indicated the worst scenario: one of the personnel had died due to injuries while the remaining five had received critical injuries needing vital medical attention.

“The GOC (General Officer Commanding) of White Knight Corps and all ranks extend their deepest sympathies to the family of L/Nk Baljeet Singh, the valiant soldier who sacrificed his life in a tragic road accident near Manjakote, Rajouri while on counterinsurgency duty. Our prayers are with the injured for their quick recovery,” reported Army.

According to reports, the army vehicle sustained significant damage in the collision. Rescue crews pulled the six injured commandos from the wreckage with the help of the local villagers; one of them later passed away from his wounds. Another soldier is in "critical" condition, according to officials.

Image source: Deccan Herald