Jammu/New Delhi: Ten soldiers of the Indian Army were killed and 11 others injured after a bulletproof Army vehicle skidded off a mountain road and fell into a deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Thursday.
The accident occurred around noon at Khanni Top, located at an altitude of about 9,000 feet on the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road, when the driver of a vehicle lost control while heading towards a high-altitude post. The vehicle, carrying 17 personnel, plunged into a nearly 200-foot-deep gorge and was badly mangled.
A joint rescue operation by the Army and police was launched immediately. Four soldiers were found dead at the spot, while 11 others were rescued in an injured condition. Six of the injured later succumbed to their injuries, taking the death toll to ten.
Ten injured soldiers were airlifted to the Udhampur Command Hospital for specialised treatment, while one remains under observation at the Bhaderwah sub-district hospital, officials said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed grief over the incident. In a post on X, he said “Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Doda in which we lost 10 brave soldiers of the Indian Army. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
The injured soldiers are receiving medical care and all necessary directions have been given to ensure the best possible treatment. The nation stands with our Armed Forces and their families in this difficult hour.”
Senior defence officials said the Army has been directed to ensure the highest level of medical care for the injured personnel and to provide all possible assistance to the families of the deceased.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Umar Abdullah expressed deep grief over the tragic accident involving the Army vehicle at Khanni Top on the Bhaderwah-Chamba road. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
The Chief Minister also praised the swift response by the Army and local administration, noting that the timely rescue and evacuation efforts helped save lives in extremely difficult terrain.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said in a post on X “Deeply saddened at the loss of lives of 10 of our brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate road accident in Doda. We will always remember the outstanding service and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers. My deepest condolences to the grieving families.”
“In this moment of profound sorrow, the entire nation stands united with the bereaved families in solidarity and support. Ten injured soldiers have been airlifted to hospital. Senior officials have been directed to ensure the best possible treatment. Praying for their speedy recovery,” he added.
Officials in the Lieutenant Governor’s administration said district authorities and emergency services have been asked to remain on alert to provide any additional support required.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also expressed condolences. In a post on X, she said “Deeply saddened to hear the tragic news from Doda, where an Army vehicle met with an accident, claiming the lives of 10 brave soldiers and leaving several others injured. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured.”
Political leaders across party lines described the loss as a reminder of the risks faced daily by security forces deployed in difficult terrain.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) also paid tribute, saying in a post on X:
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Indian Army personnel in a road accident in J&K’s Doda district. We salute their dedication and ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured and strength to the bereaved families.”
The tragedy comes days after two Army porters slipped to death near the Line of Control in the Gulmarg sector while heading to Anita Post. Their bodies were recovered after a search and rescue operation.
In another similar incident in May last year, three Army personnel were killed when their vehicle plunged into a 700-foot-deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district.
Authorities said an investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of Thursday’s accident.
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