NEW DELHI: Ten army personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir‘s Doda district after their vehicle plunged into a gorge after skidding off the road on Thursday. 11 others were also injured in the incident.The bullet-proof vehicle was carrying 17 personnel, at Khanni top along the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road, moving towards a high altitude 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 four soldiers were found dead, officials, quoted by PTI said. Later, six more succumbed to injuries, taking the toll to 10.“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,” office of Lt Governor of J&K said in a statement.“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 statement read.One of the injured is under observation at the Bhaderwah sub-district hospital, while 10 soldiers were airlifted to the Udhampur command hospital for specialised treatment.“We have lost 10 soldiers with 11 others injured in the unfortunate accident involving an Army vehicle,” Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bhaderwah, Sumit Kumar Bhutyal told PTI.J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah’s office in a post on X wrote: “Chief Minister has 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.” PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti condemning the incident in a post on X, wrote: “Deeply saddened to hear the tragic news from Doda, where an Army vehicle met with an accident, claiming the lives of 10 brave soldiers and leaving several others injured. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured.”Defence minister Rajnath Singh also offered his tributes and updated that injured soldiers are receiving treatment.
