Tragic Accident Claims Lives of 10 Army Personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda District
In a devastating incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation, ten Indian Army personnel were killed and eleven others sustained injuries when their military vehicle plunged into a deep gorge in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The tragic accident occurred along the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road, highlighting the perilous conditions often faced by security forces in the region.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The ill-fated bullet-proof vehicle was carrying seventeen army personnel towards a high-altitude location when the driver reportedly lost control at Khanni top. The vehicle skidded off the road and tumbled into a 200-foot-deep gorge, resulting in immediate casualties and severe injuries among the occupants.
A joint rescue operation was swiftly launched by the Army and local police authorities. Initial reports confirmed four soldiers had died at the scene, with six more succumbing to their injuries later, bringing the tragic death toll to ten brave personnel.
Rescue Efforts and Medical Response
Emergency response teams worked tirelessly to extract survivors from the wreckage. Ten injured soldiers were airlifted to the Udhampur command hospital for specialized medical treatment, while one soldier remains under observation at the Bhaderwah sub-district hospital. Authorities have directed senior officials to ensure the best possible care for all injured personnel.
Nation Mourns and Leaders Offer Condolences
The office of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir issued a heartfelt statement expressing deep sadness at the loss of lives. "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," the statement read.
The statement further emphasized national solidarity, noting that "the entire nation stands united with the bereaved families in solidarity and support" during this moment of profound sorrow.
Political Leaders Express Grief
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah conveyed deep grief over the tragic accident, offering heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. He specifically praised the swift rescue and evacuation efforts undertaken by response teams.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also expressed profound sadness, stating she was "deeply saddened to hear the tragic news from Doda" and extended her condolences to the bereaved families while praying for the recovery of the injured soldiers.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh offered his tributes to the fallen soldiers and provided updates confirming that the injured personnel are receiving appropriate medical treatment.
Official Confirmation and Aftermath
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Bhaderwah, Sumit Kumar Bhutyal, confirmed the tragic details to press agencies, stating "We have lost 10 soldiers with 11 others injured in the unfortunate accident involving an Army vehicle."
The incident serves as a somber reminder of the daily risks faced by Indian Army personnel serving in challenging terrains across the country, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir where difficult road conditions can pose significant hazards even during routine movements.
