10 soldiers killed, 11 injured as Army vehicle plunges into gorge in J-K’s Doda

Srinagar: An Army vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Thursday, killing ten personnel and injuring multiple others, officials said according to sources.

The accident occurred around noon at Khanni Top, situated at an altitude of 9,000 feet along the Bhaderwah–Chamba interstate road. The Army vehicle, carrying personnel to a high-altitude post, lost control and plunged into a gorge approximately 200 feet deep, officials said.

A joint rescue operation by Army and police was immediately launched. Four soldiers were found dead at the site, and 11 others were rescued with injuries. Six of the injured later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the death toll to 10.

One injured soldier remains under observation at Bhaderwah Sub-district Hospital, while 10 others were airlifted to Udhampur Command Hospital for specialised treatment. The Army vehicle was badly damaged in the accident.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Bhaderwah, Sumit Kumar Bhutyal, confirmed the fatalities and injuries, describing the incident as an “unfortunate accident involving an Army vehicle.”

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the incident. The Chief Minister conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers and wished speedy recovery to those injured, praising the prompt rescue and evacuation efforts.

LG Sinha, in a social media post, stated he was “deeply saddened at the loss of lives of 10 of our brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate road accident in Doda” and assured that senior officials have been directed to provide the best possible medical care to the injured. He emphasised that the nation stands in solidarity with the bereaved families.

(With PTI inputs)