Two soldiers were seriously injured during a parachute training exercise in Ballari, Karnataka, on Saturday, when their parachutes malfunctioned, causing them to crash to the ground from an altitude of approximately 50 feet. The incident occurred in the PD Halli area, where a group of 417 soldiers were participating in a jump from about 800 feet as part of their annual training. The two affected soldiers, including one identified as Chinnaraj, 25, lost balance due to the parachute failure and sustained injuries, including leg fractures. They were immediately provided first aid at the site and later airlifted to a hospital in Bengaluru for advanced medical care.
The Ballari Superintendent of Police confirmed that a minor incident occurred during the parachute dropping training at the Army centre, stating that the Army has not given any report so far. According to the SP, the Army informed that one person was injured during the annual training and was airlifted to Bengaluru. The police have registered the details based on available information but await formal communication from military authorities. The Army is yet to issue an official detailed statement on the exact cause of the malfunction or the full extent of injuries.
The training exercises are a regular part of preparing troops for airborne operations, and safety protocols are strictly followed. Officials have assured that a thorough investigation will determine the reasons behind the parachute malfunction to prevent similar incidents in the future. The condition of the injured soldiers is being closely monitored in Bengaluru. The incident highlights the risks involved in military training exercises and the importance of ensuring the safety of personnel during such operations.