Ten soldiers killed, 10 injured as bullet-proof vehicle plunges in gorge in J&K

Ten Army soldiers were killed and as many others injured, three of them seriously, when their vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge on the Bhaderwah-Chamba road in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, officials said.

The Army vehicle met with an accident in the Khannitop area on the Bhaderwah–Chamba, J&K-Himachal Pradesh interstate road. Rescue and response teams rushed to the spot.

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The injured soldiers have been airlifted to the Udhampur military hospital.

#WATCH | Doda, J&K | Rescue efforts underway after an army vehicle meets with an accident at Khani Top area of Bhaderwah, resulting in injuries to Army personnel.

The injured personnel were provided first aid at the site and were later airlifted to Udhampur for specialised… https://t.co/9xdUAss5st pic.twitter.com/ALWHb3Ar2j

— ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2026

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 the general area of Doda. There are multiple casualties, including fatal. The injured have been evacuated for further treatment”.

Officials said the bulletproof 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-foot-deep gorge.

A joint rescue operation by the 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.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has expressed grief over the tragic incident. He talked to the doctors at the military hospital and wrote on X: “Most injured were having multiple injuries, including pneumothorax/ fractures of long bones/one injured has maxilla. All have been resuscitated. Investigations are underway”.

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 the best possible treatment. Praying for their speedy recovery”, the LG added.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed grief and 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.