On January 22, 2026, a tragic accident struck the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district when a Casspir armoured vehicle carrying troops for an anti-terror operation plunged into a 200-foot-deep gorge near Khanni Top along the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road. The accident occurred around noon when the driver lost control while navigating treacherous terrain in adverse weather conditions at approximately 9,000 feet altitude. Four soldiers were found dead at the spot, and 11 were rescued in an injured condition; six of the injured later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the total death toll to 10. The injured soldiers were airlifted to the Army's Command Hospital in Udhampur for specialised treatment. The Army's Jammu-based White Knight Corps described the incident as 'unfortunate', citing slippery road conditions. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences. The Casspir, also known as 'Casper', is a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle designed to withstand IED blasts and mine threats in hostile terrain, widely used for anti-terror operations in Jammu & Kashmir. The incident highlights the extreme challenges faced by the Indian Army in high-altitude counter-terrorism operations in difficult terrain. Doda district is located in the Chenab Valley region of J&K and has historically been an active area for counter-insurgency operations. The mortal remains of the soldiers were consigned to flames at their native places across Haryana, Punjab, and other states.
10 Army Soldiers Killed, 11 Injured as Casspir Vehicle Plunges into 200-Foot Gorge in Doda, Jammu & Kashmir
On January 22, 2026, a tragic accident struck the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district when a Casspir armoured vehicle carrying troops for an anti-terror operation plunged into a 200-foot-deep gorge near Khanni Top along the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road. The accident occurred around noon when the driver lost control while navigating treacherous terrain in adverse weather conditions at approximately 9,000 feet altitude. Four soldiers were found dead at the spot, and 11 were rescued in an injured condition; six of the injured later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the total death toll to 10. The injured soldiers were airlifted to the Army's Command Hospital in Udhampur for specialised treatment. The Army's Jammu-based White Knight Corps described the incident as 'unfortunate', citing slippery road conditions. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences. The Casspir, also known as 'Casper', is a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle designed to withstand IED blasts and mine threats in hostile terrain, widely used for anti-terror operations in Jammu & Kashmir. The incident highlights the extreme challenges faced by the Indian Army in high-altitude counter-terrorism operations in difficult terrain. Doda district is located in the Chenab Valley region of J&K and has historically been an active area for counter-insurgency operations. The mortal remains of the soldiers were consigned to flames at their native places across Haryana, Punjab, and other states.
Key facts
- Ten Army soldiers were killed when a Casspir vehicle fell into a 200-foot gorge in Doda, J&K on January 22.
- The accident occurred at approximately 9,000 feet altitude near Khanni Top on the Bhaderwah-Chamba road.
- The soldiers were heading for an anti-terror operation when the driver lost control in treacherous terrain.
- A Casspir is a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle designed for IED-threat zones.
- Injured soldiers were airlifted to the Army's Command Hospital in Udhampur.
- Doda district in the Chenab Valley has historically been an active counter-insurgency area.
6-axis classification
Appears in these topics
Practice MCQ from this story
SolveTap an option below. Correct or incorrect feedback appears instantly.
In which district of J&K did the Army vehicle accident occur on January 22, 2026?
The accident occurred in Doda district on the Bhaderwah-Chamba road.
Source: The Tribune / OnManorama / IBTimes India / The Chenab Times / Kashmir InFocus
Frequently asked questions
What happened in Doda, Jammu & Kashmir on January 22, 2026 involving the Indian Army?
On January 22, 2026, a Casspir armoured vehicle carrying Indian Army soldiers for an anti-terror operation plunged into a 200-foot-deep gorge near Khanni Top on the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road. The accident resulted in the death of 10 soldiers and injury to 11 others.
What is a Casspir vehicle and what is its significance for Indian Army operations?
A Casspir is a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle originally designed in South Africa to protect troops against IED blasts and ambushes. The Indian Army uses Casspirs in counter-insurgency and anti-terror operations in high-threat zones like Jammu & Kashmir.
At what altitude did the Doda accident occur and what were the conditions at the time?
The accident occurred at approximately 9,000 feet altitude near Khanni Top on the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road. The driver lost control of the vehicle while navigating treacherous mountainous terrain in adverse weather conditions at noon on January 22, 2026.
Where were the injured soldiers taken after the Doda accident and what is the significance of that facility?
The injured soldiers were airlifted to the Army's Command Hospital in Udhampur. Command Hospital Udhampur is the Northern Command's premier medical facility and handles critical casualties from operations across the Jammu region and the Line of Control.
Why is Doda district in the Chenab Valley significant from a security perspective?
Doda district in the Chenab Valley has historically been an active counter-insurgency area in Jammu & Kashmir, with a significant militant presence in its dense forests and mountainous terrain. The Indian Army regularly conducts anti-terror operations in the area to neutralise militant activity.
Was this useful?
Share corrections or missing exam angles with the editorial team.
Send feedback