Jammu, Jan 22 (NationPress) Tragically, 10 soldiers lost their lives, and another 10 were injured in a road mishap in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday while en route to a high-altitude post, officials reported.

According to officials, the incident occurred when an army vehicle went out of control and plunged into a steep gorge in Doda.

"The accident happened on the Bhaderwah-Chamba route at Khanni Top. The bulletproof military vehicle was transporting approximately 20 personnel when the driver lost control, causing it to fall nearly 200 ft into a gorge," an official stated.

"This vehicle was on its way to a high-altitude posting when the tragedy struck."

A joint rescue mission involving the army and police was immediately initiated, with four soldiers found deceased at the scene. The injured were airlifted to the army's Northern Command Hospital in Udhampur for medical attention," the official added.

Regrettably, some of the injured soldiers later succumbed to their injuries during transit or at the hospital.

The Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, expressed his sorrow regarding the incident.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of 10 brave Indian Army soldiers in this unfortunate road accident in Doda. We will forever honor the exemplary service and ultimate sacrifice of our courageous soldiers. My heartfelt condolences go out to the mourning families," the LG's office posted on X.

In a follow-up post, it stated, "During this moment of profound grief, our entire nation stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. The 10 injured soldiers have been airlifted to the hospital, and I've instructed senior officials to ensure the best possible medical care. We pray for their swift recovery."

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also conveyed his sincere condolences.

The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident involving the army vehicle at Khanni Top on the Bhaderwah-Chamba route. He extended heartfelt sympathy to the families of the fallen soldiers and wished a rapid recovery to the injured, commending the prompt rescue and evacuation efforts," the Chief Minister's office posted on its X handle.

The Indian Army performs its duties under the most challenging weather conditions and rugged terrain to safeguard the nation's borders.

In addition to serving on the world's highest battlefield at the Siachen Glacier in Ladakh, soldiers are stationed along the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K.

The LoC is a 740-km-long natural border located in the Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora districts of the Kashmir Valley, as well as in Poonch, Rajouri, and partially in the Jammu district.

The army is tasked with monitoring the LoC to prevent infiltration, cross-border smuggling, and drone activities instigated from across the LoC in Pakistan. Enemy drones are utilized to deliver arms, ammunition, cash, and drugs to sustain terrorism in the Union Territory.

Payloads dropped by drones are collected by overground workers (OGWs) associated with terrorist organizations, subsequently used to support terrorist operations.