Ten Indian Army Soldiers Die in Doda Gorge Accident in Jammu & Kashmir

At least ten personnel from the Indian Army were killed and 11 others sustained injuries when an Army vehicle veered off the road and fell into a deep gorge in Doda district on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

The Jammu-based White Knight Corps of the Army reported that the armoured vehicle was transporting troops for an operational mission when it slid off the road amid inclement weather in the Doda area.

Accident Near Khanni Top

Authorities stated that the vehicle, which carried 21 personnel, encountered the accident near Khanni Top, located at approximately 9,000 feet above sea level on the Bhaderwah–Chamba road. The vehicle plunged around 200 feet into a gorge, resulting in significant damage.

Rescue and Evacuation Efforts

Following the incident, a coordinated rescue effort was initiated by the Indian Army, local police, and residents to retrieve the injured soldiers from the challenging terrain.

Among the 21 personnel in the vehicle, 10 soldiers lost their lives, while 11 others were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital. Officials noted that some of the critically injured soldiers were subsequently airlifted to the military hospital in Udhampur for advanced medical care.

High-ranking civil and military officials promptly arrived at the accident site to evaluate the situation and supervise the rescue operations.

Condolences from Leadership

The tragic event occurred during a period of heightened security vigilance ahead of Republic Day celebrations throughout the Union Territory.

Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, voiced profound sorrow over 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 their outstanding service and supreme sacrifice. My deepest condolences to the grieving families,” he said in a post on X.

He further stated that instructions had been given to provide the best possible care for the injured, while expressing hopes for their swift recovery.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also conveyed deep sorrow regarding the incident, extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a prompt recovery for the injured soldiers. He commended the rapid rescue and evacuation efforts conducted under difficult circumstances.

This incident represents one of the most severe road accidents involving security forces in the region in recent history.