Five Soldiers Die As Army Truck Catches Fire In Jammu And Kashmir's Poonch

New Delhi: Five Indian Army soldiers were killed on Thursday when their vehicle caught fire while travelling from Bhimber Gali to Sangiot in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, news agency PTI reported. According to an Army official, the incident occurred around 3 p.m. "Today, around 1500 hours, one vehicle of the Indian Army caught fire while travelling from Bhimber Gali to Sangiot in District Poonch (J&K)," PTI quoted the army official as saying.

#UPDATE | Five soldiers of the Indian Army lost their lives after an army truck caught fire in the Poonch district of Jammu & Kashmir today: PRO Defence Jammu — ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2023

"In this tragic incident five soldiers of the Indian Army have lost their lives," he said.
It is not immediately known how the vehicle caught fire. 

VIDEO | At least two jawans killed in the fire triggered by a suspected blast. The incident took place on a highway in the Bhata Dhurian area. pic.twitter.com/KxUqmdlVhG

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 20, 2023

Army and police personnel have rushed to the spot, which is 90 kilometres from Poonch, they said. An official confirmation from the army is awaited.

VIDEO | Indian Army vehicle catches fire in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch sector. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/E4gyvthM54 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 20, 2023

More details awaited.

16 Indian Army jawans Died In Accident In North Sikkim

Earlier in December 2022, 16 Army personnel lost their lives, and four were injured in a road accident involving an Army truck at Zema, North Sikkim. The accident happened when the vehicle skidded down a steep slope while negotiating a sharp turn, Indian Army said. Three Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) were killed in a road accident at Zema when their vehicle skidded off while negotiating a sharp turn.

Army vehicle involved in accident in North Sikkim was part of three-vehicle convoy going from Chatten towards Thangu. Enroute, the vehicle skidded down a steep slope at Zema while negotiating a sharp turn, according to the Army. "In a tragic road accident, involving an Army truck on December 23 at Zema in North Sikkim, 16 bravehearts of the Indian Army have lost their lives," the Army said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he is "deeply pained" over the loss of lives of the personnel. "The nation is deeply grateful for their service and commitment. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of those who are injured," he said.