At least ten Indian Army personnel lost their lives and 11 others were injured after an Army vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Doda district on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
According to the Army’s Jammu-based White Knight Corps, the armoured vehicle was carrying troops for an operational task when it slipped off the road while negotiating treacherous terrain in bad weather in the general area of Doda.
Accident Near Khanni Top
Officials said the vehicle, carrying 21 personnel, met with the accident near Khanni Top, located at an altitude of around 9,000 feet along the Bhaderwah–Chamba road. The vehicle plunged nearly 200 feet into a gorge, leaving it badly mangled.
Rescue and Evacuation Efforts
Immediately after the incident, a joint rescue operation was launched by the Indian Army, local police, and residents to evacuate the injured soldiers from the difficult terrain.
Of the 21 personnel onboard, 10 soldiers succumbed to their injuries, while 11 were rescued and shifted to a nearby hospital. Officials said several critically injured soldiers were later airlifted to the military hospital in Udhampur for specialised medical treatment.
Senior civil and military officials rushed to the accident site to assess the situation and oversee rescue efforts.
Condolences from Leadership
The tragic accident occurred at a time when security agencies were on heightened alert ahead of Republic Day celebrations across the Union Territory.
Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, expressed deep 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 added that directions had been issued to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured, while praying for their speedy recovery.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed deep grief over the incident, offering condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a swift recovery to the injured soldiers. He praised the swift rescue and evacuation efforts carried out under challenging conditions.
The incident marks one of the deadliest road accidents involving security forces in the region in recent times.
