Photo source: x.com
PM Condoles Loss of 10 Soldiers in Doda Road Mishap
Doda/New Delhi: At least ten Indian Army personnel were killed and several others injured this morning after a military vehicle plunged into a deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, officials said. The accident occurred around 10 am near Khanni Top on the Bhaderwah–Chamba interstate road, a mountainous stretch known for its steep gradients and narrow carriageway.
According to official sources, the bulletproof Army vehicle was moving towards a high-altitude location when it skidded off the road and fell nearly 200 feet into a gorge. The impact proved fatal for ten personnel on board, while ten to eleven others sustained injuries of varying severity. The Army said the Army vehicle carrying troops for an operation before it slipped off the road while navigating treacherous terrain in bad weather. “There are multiple casualties, including fatal. The injured have been evacuated for further treatment,” it stated.
Rescue operations were launched immediately after the incident. Army units, local police and civil administration teams rushed to the site and carried out evacuation efforts under difficult terrain conditions. The injured were initially provided medical assistance at nearby facilities before several of them were airlifted to the Army Command Hospital in Udhampur for specialised treatment. Officials said the condition of the injured is being closely monitored by military medical teams.
Preliminary assessments suggest that the accident was caused by loss of control on the treacherous mountain road, possibly aggravated by road and weather conditions. There has been no indication of hostile action. The Army is expected to conduct a detailed inquiry to establish the exact sequence of events leading to the mishap.
The tragedy has drawn condolences from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and paid tribute to the fallen soldiers. In a message posted on X, the Prime Minister said he was deeply anguished by the mishap in Doda in which the nation lost brave Army personnel, adding that their service would be remembered forever. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and assured that all possible support was being provided to those affected.
“Deeply anguished by the mishap in Doda, in which we have lost our brave army personnel. Their service to the nation will be remembered forever. May the injured recover at the earliest. All possible support is being provided to those affected,” the Prime Minister wrote.
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha and senior defence officials also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and conveyed assurances of full medical and administrative support. The Army has not yet released the names of the deceased, pending formal notifications to the next of kin.
The Bhaderwah–Chamba road, which connects remote and strategically important areas, is frequently used for troop movement but remains vulnerable due to its sharp bends, steep slopes and changing weather conditions. Thursday’s accident once again underscores the risks associated with military operations and logistics in high-altitude and mountainous regions.
– global bihari bureau
