Bhaderwah, January 22, 2026 : At least 10 Indian Army soldiers lost their lives and 11 others were injured after a bullet-proof Army vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, officials said.
The tragic accident occurred around noon at Khanni Top, located at an altitude of about 9,000 feet on the Bhaderwah–Chamba interstate road, when the Army vehicle, heading towards a high-altitude post, reportedly lost control and fell into a nearly 200-foot-deep gorge.
Immediately after the incident, a joint rescue operation by the Army and police was launched. Officials said four soldiers were found dead on the spot, while 11 others were rescued in injured condition. The vehicle was badly mangled due to the impact of the fall.
Despite medical evacuation and treatment, six of the injured soldiers later succumbed to their injuries, taking the death toll to 10.
Of the injured personnel, 10 soldiers were airlifted to the Command Hospital, Udhampur, for specialised treatment, while one injured soldier remains under observation at the Sub-District Hospital, Bhaderwah.
Confirming the casualties, Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhaderwah, Sumit Kumar Bhutyal, said,
“We have lost 10 soldiers with 11 others injured in the unfortunate accident involving an Army vehicle.”
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of lives.
The Chief Minister conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured soldiers. He also lauded the swift rescue and evacuation efforts carried out by the Army and civil administration.
In a post on X, LG Manoj Sinha said he was “deeply saddened at the loss of lives of 10 of our brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate road accident in Doda.”
He added that the nation would always remember their outstanding service and supreme sacrifice, and assured that best possible medical care is being provided to the injured personnel.
“Praying for their speedy recovery,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
