Two Indian army troops died due to suffocation and another fell unconscious after inhaling gas from a heating gadget during sleep in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said Friday.

The incident took place Thursday night at Radha post in Nowgam sector, close to the line-of-control (LoC) in frontier Kupwara district, around 120 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Two Indian army men died during sleep and another one was taken ill due to suffocation caused by inhaling gas from a LPG ( Liquefied Petroleum Gas) heater at Radha post in Nowgam sector," said Aslam Chaudhary, a senior police officer posted in Handwara town. "The men had kept the heating gadget on throughout night to keep their room warm."

The unconscious soldier who was immediately rushed to an army hospital in Nowgam regained consciousness and was undergoing treatment.

"The third trooper is recuperating," said Chaudhary.

India's official broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) Friday quoting Indian army spokesman said the bodies were yet to be evacuated from the post.

"A helicopter was sent to the scene to evacuate the bodies but it could not land due to bad weather," AIR said.

Last year two Indian army troops died due to asphyxia caused by smoke from a burning charcoal box in their room in Udhampur district south of Jammu city, the winter capital of Indian- controlled Kashmir.

With the onset of winter, people in Indian-controlled Kashmir use various means to keep warm.

The plains and upper reaches of Indian-controlled Kashmir have been experiencing snowfall since Thursday afternoon. The incessant snowfall has affected air and road traffic to the region.

The Meteorological Department officials said the weather is likely to improve by Saturday evening. Meanwhile, authorities have issued avalanche warnings for those inhabiting upper reaches and areas close to the LoC following heavy snowfall.

The disaster management officials have also asked people in these snowbound areas to avoid venturing into avalanche prone areas. Endi

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)