Jammu, Aug. 8 -- Two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and 16 injured when a vehicle of the paramilitary force skidded off the road and rolled down a gorge in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district on Thursday morning, officials said. Udhampur deputy commissioner Saloni Rai said that the injured personnel have been airlifted to the Northern Command Hospital in Udhampur. "A vehicle of 187 Battalion of the CRPF carrying 18 personnel was on its way to Basantgarh from Kadwa after the conclusion of an operation. It met with an accident and fell into a gorge," a police officer said. CRPF in a statement on X said, "Today, in the morning between 10.30 and 11, a joint QAT of 137 and 187 Bn #CRPF who were out on an operational duty for last one day was on the way back to their base. On a narrow road between Punara and lodhra in Basantgarh area of Jammu and Kashmir, the vehicle slipped into a gorge resulting into death of two bravehearts and injuries to 16. All the injured personnel have been evacuated to Military Hospital Udhampur.Shri @gpsinghips, DG #CRPF condoles the unfortunate demise of the braveheartsin the line of supreme dutyto the nation. #CRPF stands with the families of those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. All efforts are being made to provide best medical support to the injured personnel." Union minister and Udhampur MP Dr Jitendra Singh posted on X: "Disturbing to receive the news of a road accident involving a CRPF vehicle in the Kadwa-Basantgarh area. The vehicle was carrying several brave jawans of the CRPF. I have spoken to the DC, whois monitoring the situation and keeping me updated. Rescue measures were initiated immediately." "Locals voluntarily come forward to assist. All possible help being ensured," he further said. Expressing grief over the loss of lives, lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha said, "Saddened by loss of CRPF personnel due to an accident near Udhampur. We will never forget their exemplary service to the nation. My thoughts are with bereaved families. Praying for speedy recovery of injured. Directed senior officials to ensure best possible care & assistance."...