Tragic Accident in Doda District
Ten Indian Army personnel were killed and eleven others injured on Thursday, January 22, 2026, after their vehicle skidded off a mountain road and plunged into a 200-foot deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district. The tragic incident occurred at Khanni Top, a high-altitude location along the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road.
Details of the Mishap
The accident involved a bulletproof Army vehicle, identified by some reports as a Casspir or Casper, an armoured troop carrier. The vehicle was reportedly carrying 21 personnel and was en route to a high-altitude operational post or on a routine security patrol when the driver lost control. Preliminary indications suggest the vehicle veered off the road due to treacherous terrain, bad weather conditions, and possibly frost on the road at the 9,000 to 9,200-feet-high Khanni Top. The impact of the fall was described as catastrophic.
Rescue Operations and Medical Response
Immediately following the accident, a joint rescue operation was launched by the Indian Army, local police, and civil administration teams. Rescue efforts were challenging due to the difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions. Four soldiers were initially found dead at the scene, with six more succumbing to their injuries later. The injured personnel were swiftly evacuated, with some airlifted to the Udhampur Military Hospital for specialized treatment. One injured soldier is currently under observation at a sub-district hospital in Bhaderwah.
Official Condolences and Ongoing Inquiry
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief and extended their condolences to the bereaved families. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also conveyed his sorrow. An inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. Officials noted that road accidents are common in the Chenab Valley, particularly during winter and monsoon months, due to steep, narrow, and winding roads with minimal protective barriers.
5 Comments
Eugene Alta
Our soldiers deserve better than to die in preventable road accidents due to poor infrastructure.
Noir Black
Acknowledging the difficult driving conditions in high-altitude areas, it's crucial that military transport safety protocols and vehicle maintenance are rigorously reviewed, especially for routes known to be hazardous.
Katchuka
My deepest condolences. We must invest more in safer infrastructure for our troops in these regions.
ZmeeLove
A terrible loss. These mountain roads are incredibly dangerous, and this accident is a stark reminder.
Bermudez
Why are these roads still so unsafe? This isn't just bad luck; it's negligence somewhere.