ISLAMABAD: Ten Indian Army personnel lost their lives and seven sustained injuries, three critically, after a bullet-proof vehicle skidded off the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road and plunged into a 200-foot-deep gorge in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The incident occurred at Khanni Top while the vehicle, carrying 17 personnel en route to a high-altitude post, was navigating the challenging hilly terrain typical of the region. A joint rescue operation involving the Army and local police was promptly launched, resulting in the recovery of the deceased and evacuation of the injured, with critical cases airlifted to the military hospital in Udhampur for specialised treatment. However, the local media and sources in Occupied Kashmir claim that it was an ambush which led the vehicle to fall down the mountain road.
The road in question, connecting Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir to Chamba in Himachal Pradesh, is known for its steep inclines, sharp bends, and vulnerability to accidents during adverse weather or operational movements. Officials stated that the driver lost control under unknown circumstances, causing the vehicle—a Casper-type armoured transport—to veer off the path and tumble down the slope. Eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations point to no external interference, aligning with similar past incidents in the mountainous areas where harsh conditions frequently contribute to such tragedies.
Initial reports circulating on social media varied, with some posts mentioning five fatalities and six injuries, while others speculated about an ambush based on unconfirmed Kashmiri sources. However, mainstream Indian media outlets, including The Tribune, Times of India, and Northlines, consistently reported four deaths and nine injuries, explicitly describing it as a road accident without any mention of militant activity. No official statements from defence sources or militant groups have claimed responsibility or indicated an attack, distinguishing this from previous ambush incidents in nearby districts like Poonch or Kathua.
The Chenab Valley region, encompassing Doda, has witnessed heightened security operations in recent months due to lingering militant threats, including training of Village Defence Guards and intensified patrols by units such as 4 Rashtriya Rifles. Despite these measures, road accidents remain a significant hazard for security forces deployed in remote, high-altitude areas where logistical movements are essential yet perilous. The Army vehicle was part of routine troop rotation or supply duties to forward posts, underscoring the operational challenges in maintaining presence amid difficult geography.
Rescue efforts highlighted the coordination between military and civil authorities, with injured personnel receiving immediate medical attention on site before transfer. Three of the nine wounded were in critical condition, necessitating air evacuation to access advanced care facilities. Such incidents underscore the broader risks faced by Indian security forces beyond combat, including environmental and infrastructural factors that claim lives annually in Jammu and Kashmir’s rugged landscapes.
The loss has drawn condolences from various quarters, emphasising the sacrifices of personnel serving in challenging postings. Authorities have initiated a formal inquiry to determine contributing factors, such as road conditions, vehicle maintenance, or human error, in line with standard protocols for non-combat fatalities. This event adds to the tally of non-operational casualties in the region, where terrain-related mishaps often rival those from direct engagements.
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In the absence of evidence supporting ambush claims, the incident appears confined to a regrettable accident amid ongoing regional tensions. The differing early narratives reflect the rapid spread of information on digital platforms, where speculation can outpace verified reporting. Official confirmations remain the most reliable source for understanding such developments in sensitive border areas.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jk-army-vehicle-plunges-into-200-feet-gorge-four-personnel-killed-nine-injured/articleshow/127130878.cms
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