10 Army men killed after vehicle plunges into gorge in J-K

“We have lost 10 soldiers with 11 others injured in the unfortunate accident involving an army vehicle,” Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bhaderwah, Sumit Kumar Bhutyal told PTI.

The accident took place around 11.30 am, sources said, adding that the ill-fated vehicle was on way to Bhaderwah from Chattergala — a high mountain pass at an altitude of nearly 12,000 ft, which connects Doda district’s Bhaderwah subdivision with Kathua’s Bani area.

In this moment of profound sorrow, the entire nation stands united with the bereaved families in solidarity and support. 10 Injured soldiers have been airlifted to the hospital. Directed the Senior officials to ensure best possible treatment. Praying for their speedy recovery.

— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) January 22, 2026

A picket of the security forces and police has been set up at Chattergala as terrorists entering Kathua district, after crossing the international border, use this mountain pass to enter Doda. In 2024, nearly half-a-dozen personnel of security force and police were injured in an attack by terrorists on their picket in the area.

On Thursday, the locals were the first to respond to the accident by carrying out the rescue operation. Security forces and police soon reached the spot and brought the bodies and the injured person to the road.

Security forces also launched searches in the area and recovered all the weapons which were being carried by the victims, sources said.

J&K’s Lt Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the accident. “Deeply saddened at the loss of lives of 10 of our brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate road accident in Doda,” L-G Sinha said in a post on X. “We will always remember the outstanding service and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers. My deepest condolences to the grieving families,” he added.

“In this moment of profound sorrow, the entire nation stands united with the bereaved families in solidarity and support,” he said.

Ten injured soldiers have been airlifted to the hospital, L-G Sinha said, adding that he has directed senior officers to ensure best possible treatment for them. “Praying for their speedy recovery,” he added.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad also expressed grief over the accident.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Doda in which we lost 10 brave soldiers of the Indian Army. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” the defence minister said in a post on X.

Abdullah lauded the swift rescue and evacuation efforts. He also conveyed condolences to the families of the soldiers who died and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

Expressing sadness over the accident, Congress president Kharge called for strengthening road safety measures to prevent such deaths.

“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and loved ones. The nation stands united with deep sorrow and our thoughts and prayers are with the injured for a speedy recovery. Several such instances have happened in the past. There is an urgent need to strengthen road infrastructure, improve mobility in difficult terrain, and road-safety measures to prevent such heartbreaking losses,” he said.

Democratic Progressive Azad Party’s Azad said, “My deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and I pray for the swift recovery of those injured.”

Army’s Northern Commander said the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lt Gen Pratik Sharma and all ranks of the Command salute the bravehearts and express heartfelt condolences on the untimely demise of soldiers who lost their lives in the unfortunate vehicle accident. -With PTI inputs