Doda Army Vehicle Crash: What We Know So Far About The Tragedy That Killed 10 Soldiers

Ten Indian Army personnel were killed and seven others injured after a bulletproof military vehicle plunged into a deep gorge at Khanni Top on the Bhaderwah-Chamba road in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on January 22, 2026.

While preliminary findings point to a road mishap, the incident has drawn wider attention due to repeated past accidents and the prevailing security situation in the region.

What Happened at Khanni Top in Doda

According to PTI, the Army vehicle was heading towards a forward high-altitude post when it lost control on a steep and icy stretch of the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road. The vehicle fell into a deep gorge, prompting an immediate joint rescue operation by the Army and local police.

Four soldiers were declared dead at the scene. Nine injured personnel were rescued, three of whom were in critical condition and were airlifted to the Udhampur Military Hospital for specialised treatment. The incident resulted in 10 fatalities and seven injuries among Indian Army personnel.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Date: January 22, 2026
• Location: Khanni Top, Bhaderwah-Chamba road, Doda, Jammu and Kashmir
• Victims: 10 Indian Army personnel killed, 7 injured
• Vehicle: Bulletproof Army vehicle
• Purpose of Movement: En route to a forward high-altitude post
• Immediate Cause: Driver reportedly lost control on a steep, icy stretch
• Rescue Effort: Joint operation by Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police
• Medical Response: Three critically injured soldiers airlifted to Udhampur Military Hospital

A Pattern of Deadly Army Vehicle Accidents

The Doda incident adds to a growing list of fatal military vehicle accidents in Jammu and Kashmir over the past year. On May 4, 2025, an Army vehicle fell into a 600-foot gorge in the Battery Chashma area of Ramban district. Three soldiers Amit Kumar, Sujit Kumar and Man Bahadur lost their lives when the convoy vehicle lost control on National Highway 44 while travelling from Jammu to Srinagar.

Earlier, on December 24, 2025, another Army van carrying 18 soldiers of the 11 Maratha Regiment plunged into a 350-foot gorge in Poonch district. Five soldiers were killed after the driver reportedly lost control on a narrow operational track while moving towards the Banoie area.

Why the Incident Raises Security Concerns

Security experts point out that the Doda crash cannot be viewed purely as a routine accident. The incident comes amid recent drone sightings along border areas, which have heightened concerns over surveillance and infiltration attempts by Pakistan-backed elements.

The region has witnessed targeted attacks on security convoys in the past, most notably the February 14, 2019 Pulwama attack, where a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF convoy, killing 40 personnel. Given this history and the strategic importance of troop movement routes, incidents involving military convoys continue to be examined with added caution.

Clarification on Unit Involvement

Officials have clarified that while CRPF-related incidents were reported in Doda and Udhampur in August 2025 and in Budgam in March 2025, the January 2026 tragedy at Khanni Top involved only Indian Army personnel.

As investigations continue, the incident has once again brought focus on the risks faced by soldiers operating in difficult terrain and under constant security threats in Jammu and Kashmir.

Past Deadly Army Vehicle Accidents in Jammu and Kashmir

Ramban District, May 4, 2025: An Army vehicle travelling with a convoy from Jammu to Srinagar plunged into a 600-foot gorge near Battery Chashma on National Highway 44. Three soldiers Amit Kumar, Sujit Kumar and Man Bahadur were killed.

Poonch District, December 24, 2025: An Army van carrying 18 soldiers of the 11 Maratha Regiment fell into a 350-foot gorge while moving along an operational track towards the Banoie area. Five soldiers lost their lives in the accident.

Gulmarg Sector, January 2026: Two Army porters slipped into a deep gorge near the Line of Control while moving towards Anita Post. Their bodies were recovered after a multi-day search operation.