10 soldiers killed, 10 injured as vehicle plunges in gorge in Doda

Ten Army soldiers were killed and ten others injured when their bullet-proof vehicle plunged into a deep gorge on the Bhaderwah-Chamba road in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir today, officials said.
The Army vehicle met with accident in the Khannitop area on the Bhaderwah–Chamba, J&K-Himachal Pradesh interstate road. Rescue and response teams rushed to the spot.
The injured soldiers have been airlifted to the Udhampur military hospital.
The White Knight Corps of the Indian Army wrote on X; “In an unfortunate incident, an Army vehicle carrying troops for an operation, slipped off the road while navigating treacherous terrain in bad weather, in general area of Doda. There are multiple casualties, including fatal. The injured have been evacuated for further treatment”.
Officials said the Army vehicle, carrying about 20 personnel, was heading towards a high altitude post when its driver lost control and the vehicle plunged into a 200-feet-deep gorge.
A joint rescue operation by Army and police was immediately launched and five soldiers were found dead, other five injured succumbed while being shifted to the hospital, officials said.
They said ten other injured soldiers were rescued and three of them, who have suffered critical injuries, were airlifted to Udhampur military hospital for specialised treatment.
Meanwhile expressing grief over the tragedy, Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha wrote on X; “Deeply saddened at the loss of lives of 10 of our brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate road accident in Doda. We will always remember the outstanding service and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers. My deepest condolences to the grieving families”.
“In this moment of profound sorrow, the entire nation stands united with the bereaved families in solidarity and support. 10 Injured soldiers have been airlifted to the hospital. Directed the Senior officials to ensure best possible treatment. Praying for their speedy recovery”, the LG added.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed grief and wrote on X; “He expressed deep grief over the tragic accident involving an Army vehicle at Khannitop on the Bhaderwah–Chamba road. 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”.