Srinagar, Jan 22 (KNO): Ten soldiers died and as many were injured after an Army vehicle fell into a deep gorge near the Khannitop on the Bhaderwah-Chamba road in Doda district on Thursday morning, officials said.
An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the Army’s Casspir vehicle fell into the deep gorge near the Khannitop area after the driver lost control over the vehicle.
He said that the vehicle went down around 400 meters from the road, resulting in the on spot death of four soldiers and injuries to others. “Six soldiers later succumbed to their injuries while being rescued. The injured were shifted to SDH Bhaderwah, where from they have been airlifted to Army’s command hospital in Udhampur for specialised treatment,” he said.
The official said that the driver of the vehicle lost control due the slippery condition of the road. “The accident happened when an Army part y was coming back from an operational duty,” he added.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident, saying their service to the nation will be remembered forever.
“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,” he said in a X post.
Home Minister Amit Shah also condoled the death of soldiers in the tragic accident. “I am deeply pained by the road accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir. I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the brave soldiers we have lost in this tragic incident. The injured jawans are being provided with the highest level of medical care. I pray to God that all the soldiers recover as soon as possible,” he posted on X.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh also expressed sadness over the tragic road accident. “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,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the loss of lives, saying that the entire nation stands united with the bereaved families in solidarity and support.
“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 the outstanding service and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers. My deepest condolences to the grieving families,” he said in a post on X.
He further said that 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,” he said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed deep grief over the tragic accident. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those injured, lauding the swift rescue and evacuation efforts—(KNO)