In a devastating mishap, 10 brave Indian Army personnel were killed and 10 others injured when their vehicle plunged into a deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on January 22, 2026. The accident at the high-altitude Khanni Top along the Bhaderwah-Chamba road highlights the perilous conditions soldiers endure on these treacherous mountain routes.

The bulletproof Casspir vehicle, carrying troops to a forward post amid harsh winter weather, lost control around noon and tumbled about 200 feet. Rescue operations swung into action immediately, involving Army teams, local police, and villagers. Four soldiers died on the spot, while the injured were swiftly evacuated—some airlifted to the Udhampur command hospital for critical care.

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha conveyed deep sorrow via social media, saluting the fallen heroes' "supreme sacrifice" and assuring support for their families. The White Knight Corps detailed the rapid response, praising efforts that mitigated further loss despite the mangled wreckage and remote terrain.

Doda's steep, snow-prone paths have long posed dangers, echoing past incidents like the 2023 Poonch losses. Military insights stress needs for enhanced vehicle tech and surveillance to combat such hazards. As one injured soldier remains under observation in Bhaderwah, the nation honors these guardians' unyielding duty.