Doda Tragedy: 10 Soldiers Killed as Army Vehicle Falls into Gorge in J&K
At least 10 Army soldiers were killed and 11 others injured after an armoured vehicle carrying troops for an anti-terror operation skidded off the Bhaderwah–Chamba interstate road and plunged into a deep gorge in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.
Officials said the Army’s Casspir (MRAP) vehicle met with the accident near Khanni Top in the Chenab region while a team was heading for an operational deployment. The vehicle reportedly rolled nearly 400 metres down a steep slope, causing heavy casualties.
“The injured were first shifted to Sub-District Hospital Bhaderwah and later airlifted to the Army’s Command Hospital in Udhampur for specialised treatment,” an official said.
Confirming the incident, the Jammu-based Army’s White Knight Corps said in a post on social media: “In an unfortunate incident, an Army vehicle carrying troops for an operation slipped off the road while navigating treacherous terrain in bad weather in the general area of Doda. There are multiple casualties, including fatalities. The injured have been evacuated for further treatment.”
According to initial reports, a joint rescue operation by the Army and police recovered the bodies of four soldiers, while 17 injured personnel were evacuated to hospital. However, six of the critically injured later succumbed to their injuries, taking the death toll to 10. The vehicle was badly mangled and had to be cut open during the rescue operation.
The tragic incident triggered an outpouring of grief from across the political spectrum. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Doda in which we lost 10 brave soldiers of the Indian Army. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a post on X, adding that all necessary directions had been issued to ensure the best possible treatment to the injured.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah lauded the swift rescue and evacuation efforts, conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “We will always remember the outstanding service and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers. In this moment of profound sorrow, the entire nation stands united with the bereaved families in solidarity and support,” adding that he had directed senior officials to ensure the best medical care for the injured.
Expressing concern over recurring road tragedies, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called for strengthening road safety measures in difficult terrain. “There is an urgent need to improve road infrastructure, mobility in hilly areas, and enforcement of safety norms to prevent such heartbreaking losses,” he said.
Democratic Progressive Azad Party chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad also condoled the deaths, saying, “My deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and I pray for the swift recovery of those injured.”
The Army’s Northern Command said that General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lt Gen Pratik Sharma and all ranks of the Command saluted the bravehearts and expressed heartfelt condolences over the untimely loss of lives.
“The Northern Command fraternity stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured in the accident,” it said.
EOM
