Tragic Road Accident Claims 10 Indian Army Lives in J&K’s Doda
The accident occurred at Khanni Top along the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road, a challenging mountainous route often used for accessing high-altitude military posts between J&K and Himachal Pradesh
SRINAGAR: A sombre cloud descended over Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday after ten Indian Army personnel lost their lives and several others were injured in a devastating accident in eastern Doda district.
The tragedy unfolded at the 9,000-foot-high Khanni Top along the treacherous Bhaderwah–Chamba interstate road, a high-altitude route frequently used by the Army to access forward operational posts between J&K and Himachal Pradesh. The bullet‑proof Casspir vehicle, carrying 17 soldiers on an operational movement, reportedly skidded off the narrow mountain road and plunged several hundred feet into a deep gorge.
According to officials, the driver appeared to have lost control while navigating the steep, weather‑affected stretch, causing the Mine‑Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle to roll down the slope. The impact was catastrophic. A swift joint rescue operation by the Indian Army and local police teams led to the recovery of four bodies from the mangled vehicle, while nine injured soldiers were pulled out alive. However, despite urgent medical intervention, six of the critically wounded personnel later succumbed to their injuries, raising the death toll to ten.
The injured were initially rushed to the Sub‑District Hospital in Bhaderwah for stabilisation. Several among them, including at least three in critical condition, were subsequently airlifted to the Army Command Hospital in garrison town of Udhampur where the Army’s Northern Command headquarters are located for specialised treatment. Officials noted that between seven and ten soldiers sustained injuries of varying severity, and senior medical teams are closely monitoring their recovery.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the country, prompting an outpouring of grief and solidarity.
Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, in a post on ‘X’ said he was “deeply saddened” by the unfortunate incident and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the soldiers.
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.” He added, “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.”
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep anguish, calling the loss “heartbreaking and unfortunate.” He emphasised that the supreme sacrifice of the soldiers would forever remain etched in the nation’s memory. He also confirmed that the injured had been airlifted for advanced care and directed authorities to ensure the highest level of medical support.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also conveyed his condolences, praising the rapid rescue and evacuation efforts and wishing strength to the bereaved families.
The Army’s Nagrota (Jammu)-based 16 Corps-also known as White Knight Corps- termed the incident “unfortunate,” noting that the vehicle slipped off the road while negotiating treacherous terrain amid adverse weather conditions. In a post on ‘X’, it said, “In an unfortunate incident, an Army vehicle carrying troops for an operation, slipped off the road while navigating treacherous terrain in bad weather, in the general area of Doda. There are multiple casualties, including fatal. The injured have been evacuated for further treatment.”
A statement issued in Udhampur said that Army’s Northern Command chief, Lt. General Pratik Sharma, along with all ranks “salute the Bravehearts and express heartfelt condolences on the untimely demise of soldiers who lost their lives in the unfortunate vehicle accident.” It added, “Northern Command fraternity stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and wishes speedy recovery to those injured in the accident”.
A defence spokesman said that senior Army commanders and civil administration officials are supervising the situation, and a detailed investigation is underway to determine the precise cause—whether linked to road conditions, weather, or mechanical factors.
Political leaders across the spectrum, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and former chief ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mehbooba Mufti expressed their sorrow. Kharge underscored the urgent need to strengthen road infrastructure and safety measures in mountainous regions to prevent such tragedies.
