Tragic Accident Claims Lives of 10 Army Soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir
In a devastating incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation, ten brave soldiers of the Indian Army were killed and eleven others sustained injuries when their armored troop carrier met with a fatal accident in the treacherous terrain of Jammu and Kashmir. The tragic event occurred around noon on Thursday as the vehicle skidded off a narrow mountain road and plunged nearly 200 feet into a deep gorge.
Operation Turned Tragedy in Remote Doda District
The six-wheel bulletproof Casspir vehicle, also known as Casper, was en route to a counterterrorism operation in the upper reaches of Doda district when the accident took place. This remote, forested area in the Jammu region presents some of the most challenging operational conditions for security forces. The vehicle lost traction near Khanni Top, a 9,000-foot-high pass on the Bhaderwah–Chamba interstate road that connects Jammu and Kashmir with Himachal Pradesh.
The White Knight Corps confirmed in an official statement that "the vehicle carrying troops for an operation slipped off the road while navigating treacherous terrain in bad weather." The accident occurred during adverse weather conditions on a steep stretch of road carved into the mountains, adding to the already dangerous circumstances.
Immediate Rescue Efforts and Medical Response
An immediate joint rescue operation was launched by the Army and police forces following the crash. Four soldiers succumbed to their injuries at the crash site itself, while others passed away during evacuation or after reaching medical facilities. The rescue teams worked tirelessly in difficult conditions to extract the injured soldiers from the wreckage.
At least ten of the injured personnel were airlifted to the Army's Northern Command Hospital in Udhampur for specialized medical treatment. One soldier remains under observation at a sub-district hospital in Bhaderwah town, located approximately 190 kilometers northeast of Jammu city, and is reported to be in stable condition.
Nation Mourns the Loss of Bravehearts
The tragic incident has drawn expressions of grief and condolences from the highest levels of leadership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish on social media platform X, 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."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Northern Command General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma also conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured personnel.
Recurring Challenge in Mountainous Terrain
This tragic accident highlights the persistent dangers faced by military personnel operating in the challenging mountainous terrain of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Narrow roads, sharp bends, frequent landslides, and adverse weather conditions create constant risks for vehicle movements in these regions.
Thursday's accident brings the total number of fatalities in similar military vehicle accidents to thirty since 2023, underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures and infrastructure improvements in these difficult operational areas.
Recent History of Similar Tragedies
The mountainous regions of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh have witnessed several similar tragic incidents in recent years:
- In July 2025, a Lieutenant Colonel and a soldier lost their lives when a boulder struck a convoy vehicle in eastern Ladakh.
- In January of last year, four soldiers died after their truck rolled down a hillside in Bandipora district of north Kashmir.
- December 2024 saw five soldiers killed when a truck plunged into a gorge in Poonch district near the Line of Control.
- In August 2023, nine soldiers perished in a similar crash in the Nyoma area of Ladakh when their vehicle skidded off a mountain road and fell into a deep gorge.
The Casspir armored vehicle involved in Thursday's accident was specifically designed as a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle intended to shield soldiers from land mines and roadside bombs. However, even such specialized equipment faces significant challenges when navigating the extreme terrain and weather conditions characteristic of the Jammu and Kashmir region.
As the nation mourns the loss of these brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country, questions about improving road safety and infrastructure in these challenging operational areas are likely to gain renewed attention from defense and infrastructure planners.
