Doda (Jammu and Kashmir) | 22 January 2026

A tragic road accident claimed the lives of 10 Indian Army soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district after a military vehicle fell into a deep gorge. The incident took place at Khanni top on the Bhaderwah–Chamba interstate road, a difficult mountainous stretch known for sharp turns. Several other soldiers were injured in the accident, triggering an immediate rescue response by the Army and local police.

According to officials, the bullet-proof Army vehicle was carrying 17 personnel and was on its way to a high-altitude post when the driver lost control. The vehicle reportedly plunged nearly 200 feet into the gorge. Rescue teams rushed to the spot and began evacuation efforts under challenging terrain and weather conditions. Some soldiers were found dead at the site, while others were pulled out injured.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha confirmed the loss of lives and expressed deep grief over the incident. “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,” Sinha said on X. He further added, “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.”

Officials said nine soldiers were rescued with injuries, out of which three were critical and were airlifted to the Udhampur military hospital for specialised treatment. This incident comes close on the heels of similar tragedies in the region. Earlier this month, two Army porters lost their lives after slipping into a gorge near the Line of Control in the Gulmarg sector. In another incident last year, three Army personnel died when their vehicle fell into a deep gorge in Ramban district. These repeated accidents highlight the risks faced daily by security forces while serving in difficult and dangerous 

Tragedy in Doda: Army Vehicle Falls into Gorge, 10 Soldiers Killed

A tragic accident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district claimed the lives of 10 Indian Army soldiers after their vehicle plunged into a deep gorge. The incident occurred at Khanni Top on the Bhaderwah–Chamba interstate road, a narrow and risky mountain route. The Army vehicle was moving towards a high-altitude post when it lost control, turning a routine movement into a heartbreaking disaster.

Officials said the bullet-proof vehicle was carrying 17 Army personnel at the time of the accident. It reportedly fell nearly 200 feet into the gorge, leaving several soldiers trapped. Soon after the incident, a joint rescue operation was launched by the Army and police teams. Despite quick action, many soldiers could not be saved due to the severity of the crash and the difficult terrain.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha confirmed the deaths and expressed his grief. “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 said on X. He further added, “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.”

According to officials, nine soldiers were rescued with injuries, including three who were critically hurt and later airlifted to the Udhampur military hospital for specialised care. The incident has once again drawn attention to the dangers faced by security forces in hilly regions. Similar accidents have occurred in recent months, reminding the nation of the constant risks soldiers endure while performing their duties in challenging conditions.