10 Army Personnel Killed, 7–10 Injured as Vehicle Plunges Into Gorge in Jammu & Kashmir’s Doda – Latest Updates
In a heartbreaking and tragic development, 10 Indian Army personnel lost their lives, and several others were injured after their vehicle skidded off a mountainous road and plunged into a deep gorge in the rugged terrains of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district.
The incident took place on Thursday afternoon at Khanni Top, located along the Bhaderwah–Chamba interstate road, a challenging and narrow hilly stretch frequently used by defence convoys moving towards high-altitude posts.
What Happened — Sequence of Events
According to preliminary reports from authorities:
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The bulletproof Casspir Army vehicle was ferrying 17 personnel when it lost control on a steep incline on the Bhaderwah–Chamba road.
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The vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a 200-foot-deep gorge, throwing the troops into a worst-case scenario.
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Four soldiers were initially pronounced dead at the crash site, and nine injured personnel were pulled out immediately by rescue teams.
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Tragically, six of the injured later succumbed to their injuries, taking the total confirmed death toll to ten Army personnel.
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The injured soldiers were shifted to the Sub-District Hospital in Bhaderwah, with at least three airlifted to the Army Command Hospital in Udhampur for advanced care.
Local police, Army units, and emergency services launched a joint rescue operation that continued for hours amid the extremely difficult terrain.
Terrain and Risks — Why Such Accidents Happen in the Region
The Doda district is known for its mountainous landscape, unpredictable weather, and narrow roads that pose frequent challenges to heavy vehicles, including defence convoys.
This tragic incident is not isolated — military and civilian vehicles have previously met with accidents in the region due to sharp inclines, steep drops, and adverse weather conditions. The landscape’s inherent risks demand extreme caution, especially for large vehicles traversing remote stretches to ferry troops or supplies.
Official Response and Statements
Government and Military Reaction
Senior officials have expressed deep grief over the incident:
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Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha took to social media to say he was “deeply saddened at the loss of lives of 10 of our brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate road accident in Doda”. He emphasised that their “outstanding service and supreme sacrifice would always be remembered.”
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Sinha also announced that injured soldiers have been airlifted for medical treatment, and directed officials to “ensure the best possible care” for them.
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Political leaders and defence representatives across the country have conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
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The Army has initiated an official inquiry into the accident, looking into factors including road conditions, vehicle handling, and potential weather influences.
Mourning and Support for the Families
The news of the fatal accident has shocked the nation, with tributes pouring in from public figures, defence veterans, and ordinary citizens alike.
Families of the deceased are being supported by Army welfare teams, with authorities ensuring that all necessary assistance and compensation protocols are followed as per Army and government procedures.
Immediate Aftermath — Rescue and Medical Updates
Even as the toll has risen to ten confirmed deaths, rescue operations continued into the evening, focusing on:
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Full recovery of the vehicle
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Complete medical assessment of injured soldiers
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Accident site documentation for investigations
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Local hospitals in Bhaderwah and Udhampur have been placed on high alert, and senior medical officers are supervising critical care.
Road Safety Concerns in Hilly Areas
This tragic event has reignited concerns over road safety along steep mountain highways in Jammu & Kashmir and similar regions. Observers and experts say:
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Better installation of guardrails and safety markers
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Regular weather updates and advisories for convoys
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Specialized driver training for navigating treacherous terrains
could mitigate risks, although no road is entirely free from danger in such conditions.
FAQs
Q: Where exactly did the accident occur?
A: The accident occurred at Khanni Top on the Bhaderwah–Chamba interstate road in Doda district, J&K.
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Q: How many soldiers were killed?
A: Ten Indian Army personnel have been confirmed dead following the crash.
Q: Were there any survivors?
A: Yes — several soldiers were injured and are receiving medical treatment, with some evacuated to advanced care centres.
Q: What caused the vehicle to fall into the gorge?
A: Initial information suggests the vehicle lost control on a steep hill curve, but a full investigation is underway to determine exact causes.
Q: How deep was the gorge?
A: Reports mention the vehicle fell into a gorge approximately 200 feet deep.
