At least 10 Army personnel lost their lives and seven others were injured when their vehicle plunged into a 200-foot-deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Thursday afternoon.
The incident occurred at Khanni Top near Thananala, about 20 km from Bhaderwah town, along the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road.
As per reports, officials said the Army vehicle, carrying 17 personnel, was en route to a high-altitude post when the driver reportedly lost control, causing it to fall into the deep gorge.
A joint rescue operation by the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police is underway. Initially, four soldiers were found dead, but the toll later rose to 10.
Several of the injured personnel sustained critical injuries and were airlifted to Udhampur Military Hospital for specialised treatment.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condoled the loss of lives and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
“He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those injured, lauding the swift rescue and evacuation efforts,” his office tweeted.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his grief over the tragedy.
https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/2014282283461865774
“Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Doda in which we lost our 10 brave soldiers of the Indian Army. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The injured soldiers are receiving medical care and all necessary directions have been given to ensure the best possible treatment. The nation stands with our Armed Forces and their families in this difficult hour,” he posted on X.
The loss of Army personnel, whether in combat or in accidents, is a tragedy that shakes the very fabric of the nation. These brave men and women dedicate their lives to protecting our borders and ensuring the safety of every citizen, often putting themselves in harm’s way without hesitation.
Every life lost is not just a statistic, it is a story of courage cut short, a family plunged into grief, and a community mourning a hero. Such moments remind us of the sacrifices our armed forces make daily and the heavy price of service, evoking both sorrow and profound respect for those who serve the nation with unwavering commitment.