Raja Syed Rather
Ladakh, Sep 04 : In a humanitarian mission, the Indian Army’s Fire & Fury Corps carried out a high-altitude night Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) after two South Korean nationals fell critically ill during a mountaineering expedition near Kongmarula Pass, Ladakh.
According to an official statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the distress call was received at around 8:05 pm.
“Despite the treacherous altitude of nearly 17,000 feet and snow-covered terrain, Army Aviation helicopters were swiftly pressed into action. Within just 15 minutes, at 8:20 pm, the squadron launched its aircraft.”
The operation demanded exceptional flying skills, as the pilots had to rely on Night Vision Goggles (NVG) to land on an unprepared helipad in complete darkness. By 9:15 pm, the helicopters successfully touched down at the site, and the mountaineers were airlifted and rushed to SNM Hospital, Leh.
While one of the foreign nationals tragically lost his life, the Army confirmed that the other was handed over to medical authorities for further treatment.
In a post on X, the Fire & Fury Corps said: “Fire and Fury Corps expresses heartfelt condolences to the family of the mountaineer who unfortunately lost his life.”
This operation once again highlights the Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives in some of the world’s most hostile terrains. It also comes days after the Corps organized a Medical & Dental Camp under Operation Sadbhavna at Lamochan Village, Ladakh, where consultations, dental check-ups, and medicines were provided to 178 villagers—reflecting the Army’s continued humanitarian outreach in remote, high-altitude regions—(KNO)
