PM, HM, CM, LG, others condole loss of lives
Srinagar: An Army vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, killing 10 soldiers and injuring 11 others, officials said.
The accident took place at the 9000-feet-high Khanni top along Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road around noon when the driver of a bulletproof Army vehicle heading towards a high-altitude post lost control and the vehicle plunged into a 200-foot-deep gorge.
A joint rescue operation by Army and police was immediately launched and four of the soldiers were found dead on the spot and 11 others were rescued in an injured condition, the officials said. The Army vehicle was badly mangled after plunging down.
Later, six more injured soldiers succumbed to injuries.
One of the injured is under observation in Bhaderwah sub-district hospital while 10 soldiers were airlifted to Udhampur command hospital for specialised treatment while one is under observation in Bhaderwah Sub-district hospital.
“We have lost 10 soldiers with 11 others injured in the unfortunate accident involving army vehicle,” Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bhaderwah, Sumit Kumar Bhutyal told PTI.
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.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday expressed grief over the road accident in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir in which 10 Indian Army soldiers lost their lives.
In a post on X in Hindi, Shah said he was “deeply pained” by the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who were killed.
“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,” he said.
The home minister informed that the injured army soldiers are being provided with the highest level of medical care.
“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 said.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed grief over the accident.
The chief minister conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. Abdullah also lauded the swift rescue and evacuation efforts.
LG Sinha, in a post on X, said he was “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.” He expressed his deepest condolences to the grieving families.
“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,” the LG said, adding he had directed the senior officials to ensure best possible treatment.
“Praying for their speedy recovery,” he said.
Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday expressed grief over the death of ten army soldiers who were killed in an accident in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Deeply saddened to hear the tragic news from Doda, where an army vehicle met with an accident, claiming the lives of 10 brave soldiers and leaving several others injured. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured,” Mufti said in a post on X.