10 Soldiers Killed as Army Vehicle Plunges into Gorge in J&K’s Doda
Armoured vehicle skids off Khanni Top road in bad weather; 11 injured, several airlifted
- Army vehicle falls into 200-ft gorge in Doda district
- 10 soldiers killed, 11 injured in the accident
- Rescue operation launched by Army, police and locals
- Injured airlifted to Udhampur military hospital
GG News Bureau
Doda, 22nd Jan: Ten Indian Army personnel were killed and 11 others injured on Thursday after their armoured vehicle skidded off a mountain road and plunged into a nearly 200-foot-deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, officials said.
According to the Army’s Jammu-based White Knight Corps, the vehicle was carrying troops for an operational task when it met with the accident while navigating treacherous terrain in bad weather conditions.
The incident occurred at the 9,000-feet-high Khanni Top along the Bhaderwah–Chamba road. The armoured vehicle, which was carrying 21 soldiers, lost control and fell into the deep gorge, leaving the vehicle badly mangled.
Immediately after the crash, a joint rescue operation was launched by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and local residents to evacuate the injured personnel from the difficult terrain. Officials said 11 soldiers were rescued and shifted to a nearby hospital.
Some of the critically injured were later airlifted to the Udhampur military hospital for specialised treatment, authorities said. Senior civil and military officials rushed to the site to assess the situation and oversee rescue and medical arrangements.
The tragic accident occurred amid heightened security arrangements across the Union Territory ahead of Republic Day, when security forces are on high alert to ensure peaceful celebrations.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. In a post on X, he said, “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.”
He added that injured soldiers were being provided the best possible medical care and prayed for their speedy recovery.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed grief over the tragedy, conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, and praised the swift rescue and evacuation efforts by the security forces and local authorities.
