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: In a tragic incident on Thursday, ten Indian Army personnel lost their lives and several others were injured when their vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s eastern Doda district.
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.
The officials said that the bullet-proof Casper Army vehicle was carrying a total of 17 personnel and was en route to a high-altitude operational post when the driver reportedly lost control, causing the vehicle to fall several hundred feet into the gorge below.
A swift joint rescue operation was launched by the Indian Army and local police teams, the officials said, adding that initially, the bodies of four soldiers were recovered at the site, while nine others were rescued in injured condition. “Tragically, six more succumbed to their injuries later, raising the death toll to ten,” an official said.
The injured personnel were first shifted to the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) in Bhaderwah for immediate medical attention. Among them, several— including at least three with critical injuries—were airlifted to the Army Command Hospital in Udhampur for specialised treatment, the officials said.
Reports indicate that around seven to ten soldiers were injured in total, with ongoing efforts to provide the best possible care under the supervision of senior medical and administrative officials.
The incident has cast a deep pall of gloom across the region and the nation, with tributes pouring in for the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in demanding terrain. J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed profound grief over the loss, describing it as deeply heartbreaking and unfortunate. In a post on ‘X’, he stated that he was "deeply saddened at the loss of lives of 10 of our brave Indian Army soldiers" and emphasised that their outstanding service and supreme sacrifice would always be remembered. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, noting that the entire nation stands united with them in solidarity and support during this hour of immense grief.
The Lt. Governor further mentioned that ten injured soldiers had been airlifted for treatment, and he had directed senior officials to ensure the best possible medical care while praying for their speedy recovery.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah too has expressed deep grief over the tragic accident. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those injured, lauding the swift rescue and evacuation efforts.
Senior Army officials and the civil administration are closely monitoring the situation, and investigations into the exact cause of the accident—likely related to the treacherous road conditions, possible weather factors, or vehicle handling in the hilly terrain—are underway.
