Defence Minister Rajnath, LG Sinha, CM Omar Unite in Grief Over High-Altitude Accident
Doda, Jan 22 (KNS) ; Ten soldiers were killed after an Army vehicle plunged into a gorge in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday officials confirmed that eleven other soldiers were injured in the accident.
An official told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), The tragedy occurred around noon at Khanni Top, a high-altitude pass situated at approximately 9,000 feet along the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road. The driver of an armored Army vehicle, en route to a high-altitude post, reportedly lost control, causing the vehicle to plummet nearly 200 feet into the ravine.
He said a joint rescue operation involving the Army and local police was immediately launched. Four soldiers were pronounced dead at the scene, while eleven others were extricated in injured condition from the severely mangled vehicle. Despite rescue efforts, six of the injured personnel subsequently succumbed to their wounds.
One injured soldier remains under observation at Bhaderwah Sub-District Hospital. Ten others were airlifted to the Command Hospital in Udhampur for advanced medical treatment.
"We have lost ten soldiers, with eleven others injured in this unfortunate accident involving an Army vehicle," stated Bhaderwah Additional Deputy Commissioner Sumit Kumar Bhutyal told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS).
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his grief over the incident. In a post on the social media platform X, as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), he stated: "I am deeply pained by the road accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir. I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the brave soldiers we have lost in this tragic incident. The injured jawans are being provided with the highest level of medical care. I pray to God that all the soldiers recover as soon as possible."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also conveyed his sorrow, writing on X: "I am deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Doda.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelMy 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."
The Army's White Knight Corps also confirmed the casualties. In a post on X, the Corps stated: "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 fatal ones. The injured have been evacuated for further treatment."
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah both expressed profound grief over the loss of life.
Mr. Abdullah conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers and wished a speedy recovery for the injured, while also commending the rapid rescue and evacuation efforts.
In a statement on X, Lt. Governor Sinha said he was "deeply saddened at the loss of lives of ten 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." He extended his 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," Mr. Sinha added. He confirmed that ten injured soldiers had been airlifted for treatment and stated that he had directed senior officials to ensure the best possible medical care. "Praying for their speedy recovery," he said. (KNS)