Breaking News: J&K Doda Army Vehicle Crash Kills 10 Soldiers, 11 Injured Update
A tragic incident has occurred in Jammu and Kashmir, where ten brave Indian Army soldiers lost their lives and eleven others sustained injuries. This latest report details how an armoured troop carrier veered off a steep mountain road in the Doda district, plummeting approximately 200 feet into a deep gorge. This devastating accident highlights the severe operational challenges faced by military personnel in the region's difficult terrain.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The accident took place around Thursday noon while the six-wheel military truck was en route to a crucial counter-terrorism operation. The convoy was navigating the upper reaches of Doda, a remote and heavily forested area within the Jammu region. Near Khanni Top, a high-altitude pass on the Bhaderwah–Chamba interstate road that links J&K with Himachal Pradesh, the vehicle reportedly lost its grip on the treacherous surface. Bad weather conditions on a steep, carved-out section of the road are believed to have contributed to the loss of traction.
The vehicle involved was a bulletproof Casspir, also known as a Casper, specifically designed as a mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) carrier. These robust vehicles are engineered to offer enhanced protection against land mines and roadside bombs, underscoring the high-risk environments in which these troops operate. Despite its advanced design, the vehicle tragically succumbed to the harsh mountain conditions.
Following the crash, a joint rescue operation was immediately launched by the Army and local police. Initial reports indicated that four soldiers died at the scene. Tragically, others succumbed to their injuries either during evacuation or after reaching medical facilities. At least ten of the injured were swiftly airlifted for urgent medical attention to the Army’s Northern Command Hospital in Udhampur. One injured soldier is currently stable and under observation at a sub-district hospital in Bhaderwah town, roughly 190 kilometers northeast of Jammu city.
Leaders Express Deep Condolences
The nation's leaders have expressed profound grief and offered their heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Northern Command GoC-in-C Lt Gen Pratik Sharma all conveyed their sorrow and wished a swift recovery to those injured.
Prime Minister Modi shared his anguish on social media, stating, "Deeply anguished by the mishap in Doda, in which we have lost our brave army personnel. Their service to the nation will be remembered forever. May the injured recover at the earliest. All possible support is being provided to those affected." This statement reflects the nation's gratitude and firm commitment to supporting the affected families.
A Series of Accidents in Challenging Terrain
This incident tragically adds to a growing number of fatal accidents involving military vehicles in the mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The terrain is notoriously difficult, characterized by narrow roads, sharp turns, and frequent landslides, which present constant dangers to military convoys.
Since 2023, these types of accidents have claimed the lives of approximately 30 soldiers. Previous incidents include:
- In a prior incident in eastern Ladakh, a Lieutenant Colonel and another soldier were killed when a large boulder struck their convoy vehicle.
- Last year, four soldiers perished when their truck rolled down a hillside in the Bandipora district of North Kashmir.
- Another tragic crash saw five soldiers lose their lives when their vehicle plunged into a gorge in the Poonch district, close to the Line of Control.
- In August 2023, nine soldiers died in a similar accident in Ladakh's Nyoma area when their vehicle skidded off a mountain road and fell into a deep ravine.
These recurring incidents underscore the extreme dangers faced by military personnel as they protect the nation in such challenging geographical conditions.
