Key Points:
- Army vehicle carrying 17 soldiers fell into 200-foot-deep gorge at Khanni Top on Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road
- Four soldiers died on the spot, six others succumbed to injuries later
- Seven injured soldiers airlifted to Udhampur Military Hospital, some in critical condition
- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep grief and offered condolences to bereaved families via social media
- Indian Army has launched investigation into the accident, senior officers instructed to ensure best medical care
A devastating road accident in the hilly terrain of Doda district claimed the lives of ten Indian Army soldiers on Thursday when their bulletproof vehicle veered off the road and plunged into a 200-foot-deep gorge at Khanni Top, sending shockwaves through the region and the armed forces community.
The ill-fated army vehicle was transporting seventeen soldiers to a high-altitude post when the driver lost control at a treacherous stretch of the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road. The vehicle tumbled down the steep gorge, creating a catastrophic scene that prompted immediate rescue operations by the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police. Four soldiers were pronounced dead at the accident site, while six others succumbed to their injuries despite emergency medical interventions.
Rescue Operations and Medical Response
The Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint rescue operation within minutes of receiving the distress call. Emergency responders navigated the difficult terrain to reach the accident site and extract the survivors. The seven injured soldiers, some in critical condition, were stabilized at a local medical facility before being airlifted to the Udhampur Military Hospital for advanced treatment. Senior army officers have been instructed to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care and to monitor their recovery closely.
Official Condolences and Reactions
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of life in a post on X, formerly Twitter. He wrote, “Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Doda that claimed the lives of 10 of our brave Indian Army soldiers. We will always remember the exemplary service and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families”.
The Governor’s post further emphasized national solidarity, stating, “In this hour of profound grief, the entire nation stands in solidarity and support with the bereaved families.” He confirmed that the injured soldiers had been airlifted to the hospital and offered prayers for their speedy recovery.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
The Indian Army has formally announced that an investigation into the accident has been launched to determine the exact cause of the tragedy. Military officials are examining multiple factors, including road conditions, vehicle maintenance records, driver experience, and weather conditions at the time of the accident. The Khanni Top area is known for its challenging terrain and narrow roads, which become particularly hazardous during winter months.
The accident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of military convoys operating in the region’s difficult mountainous terrain. The Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road, while strategically important for connecting high-altitude posts, presents significant challenges for military transport, including sharp curves, steep gradients, and limited visibility in certain sections.
Families Notified and Support Measures
The families of the soldiers who lost their lives have been officially informed of the tragedy. The Army has dispatched special teams to provide support and assistance to the bereaved families during this difficult time. Counseling services have been made available to family members, and the Army is facilitating all necessary arrangements for the last rites and ceremonial honors for the fallen soldiers.
The deceased soldiers, whose names are being withheld pending notification of all next of kin, were part of a unit responsible for maintaining security along the sensitive border areas of Doda district. Their deaths represent a significant loss to their unit and the broader security apparatus in the region, which remains vulnerable to cross-border threats and internal security challenges.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the daily risks faced by armed forces personnel deployed in challenging terrain, even during routine logistical movements between posts.
