Jammu, Jan 22 (JKNS): In a tragic road accident, ten Indian Army soldiers lost their lives while eleven others sustained injuries after an Army vehicle met with a devastating mishap in Doda district on Thursday, plunging the entire Union Territory into deep mourning.
A senior official told news agency JKNS that the Army vehicle plunged into a deep gorge near Khannitop on the Bhaderwah–Chamba road under unknown circumstances which led to loss of 10 lives.
“In the unfortunate accident, ten Army personnel succumbed to their injuries, while eleven others were injured and shifted to hospitals for specialised treatment,” the official said.
Ina post on X, Defence minister expressed deepest condolences to families of soldiers.
DM Rajnath Singh wrote as per JKNS, “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 injured soldiers are receiving medical care and all necessary directions have been given to ensure the best possible treatment. The nation stands with our Armed Forces and their families in this difficult hour,” it reads.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep grief over the loss of lives. In a post on X, the LG said he was “deeply saddened” by the tragic incident and paid rich tributes to the bravery and supreme sacrifice of the fallen soldiers.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. In this moment of profound sorrow, the entire nation stands united with them in solidarity and support,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor further informed that ten injured soldiers have been airlifted to hospitals for advanced medical care. He added that senior officials have been directed to ensure the best possible treatment to the injured personnel and prayed for their speedy recovery.
Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh also expressed shock over the incident. In a post on X, he said that ten jawans lost their lives while ten others were seriously injured and shifted to Command Hospital, Udhampur.
“I have spoken to Major General (Dr) Sanjay Sharma, In-charge Command Hospital, who is providing regular updates. All possible medical aid is being provided,” he said, adding that no words are enough to express reverence for the brave soldiers and extending condolences to the bereaved families.
In a subsequent update, Dr Jitendra Singh shared the medical status of the injured soldiers admitted at Command Hospital, Udhampur, stating that a total of ten cases were received, most with multiple injuries including pneumothorax and fractures of long bones, while one had a maxilla fracture. “All injured have been resuscitated and investigations are underway. A detailed assessment will take time,” the post read.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. As per an official post by the CM’s Office on X, the Chief Minister conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He also lauded the swift rescue and evacuation operations carried out after the accident.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed her grief, stating that she was deeply saddened by the tragic news from Doda where ten brave soldiers lost their lives. She offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
Former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad also condoled the deaths, saying the pain of losing ten brave Indian Army soldiers is beyond words. He extended his deepest sympathies to the families and prayed for the recovery of the injured, adding, “May the departed souls rest in peace.”
Earlier reports said that the Army vehicle plunged into a gorge in Doda district, triggering a massive rescue and relief operation. The incident has sparked widespread mourning across Jammu and Kashmir, while investigations are underway to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. —(JKNS)
