DODA: Ten Indian Army soldiers lost their lives and ten others were injured when a Casspir vehicle they were travelling in fell into a deep gorge near Khannitop on the Bhaderwah-Chamba road in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Thursday morning.
The accident occurred when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle on a slippery section of the road, causing it to plunge approximately 400 metres down the slope.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, four soldiers died on the spot while six others succumbed to their injuries during rescue operations. The injured personnel were initially shifted to Sub-District Hospital Bhaderwah before being airlifted to the Army’s Command Hospital in Udhampur for specialised treatment. Officials said the vehicle was returning from an operational duty when the mishap took place, with adverse road conditions due to recent weather contributing to the loss of control.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep anguish over the incident, stating that the soldiers’ service to the nation would be remembered forever. In a post on X, he wrote: “Deeply anguished by the mishap in Doda, in which we have lost our brave army personnel. Their service to the nation will be remembered forever. May the injured recover at the earliest. All possible support is being provided to those affected.”
Home Minister Amit Shah conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and assured that the injured were receiving the highest level of medical care. “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,” he posted on X.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the accident as tragic and extended condolences to the families. “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 said.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha expressed profound sorrow and highlighted the nation’s unity with the affected families. “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,” he posted on X. He added that ten injured soldiers had been airlifted and directed senior officials to ensure the best possible treatment, while praying for their speedy recovery.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah conveyed deep grief over the loss and lauded the swift rescue and evacuation efforts by security forces and medical teams. He offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers and wished speedy recovery to the injured.
The accident has once again drawn attention to the hazards faced by security personnel operating in the rugged and often treacherous terrain of the Chenab Valley, particularly during winter when roads become slippery due to frost, snow or rain. Authorities have initiated an inquiry into the circumstances, including vehicle maintenance and road conditions at the time of the incident.
The Bhaderwah-Chamba road, a key link in the region, frequently witnesses such challenges due to its mountainous alignment and exposure to harsh weather. Rescue operations involved coordinated efforts by the Army, local administration and medical teams to reach the site and evacuate casualties promptly.
Tributes poured in from across political and civil society circles in Jammu and Kashmir, with many describing the loss as a reminder of the daily risks borne by soldiers serving in remote and difficult postings. The nation has stood in solidarity with the Armed Forces, offering prayers for the departed and speedy healing for the wounded.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
