Officials said nine Indian Army soldiers lost their lives in an accident 7km short of Kiari town, the Indian Army said. The vehicle was moving from the Karu garrison to Kiari near Leh.

The Army said the soldiers were in an ALS vehicle, which was moving as part of a convoy from Leh to Nyoma. It skidded off the road into the Valley at around 5.45-6 pm near Kiari. There were 10 personnel travelling in the vehicle out of which nine died and one got injured.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in an X post said: “Saddened by the loss of Indian Army personnel due to an accident near Leh in Ladakh.”

“We will never forget their exemplary service to our nation. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. The injured personnel have been rushed to the Field Hospital. Praying for their speedy recovery,” he added.