Jammu, Jan. 23 -- At least 10 soldiers were killed and 10 others injured when their vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Doda district on Thursday, officials said. "At least 10 soldiers died and 10 others were injured when the army vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge at Khanni Top on Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road," said a senior police officer. He informed that the vehicle, on routine patrol, left an army camp in Bhaderwah and was on its way to an army post. "Around 1 km short of post, the vehicle veered off the road and fell into a deep gorge at around 10am," he added. Officials said the bullet-proof Army vehicle, carrying a total of 20 personnel, was headed towards a high altitude post when its driver lost control and the vehicle plunged into a 200-foot-deep gorge. A joint rescue operation by army and police was immediately launched. "While 10 soldiers have died so far, we have shifted 10 others to Udhampur Command Hospital for treatment. Three among the injured were airlifted to Command Hospital in view of their critical condition", said the officer. Army's Nagrota based White Knight Corps took to X to share initial information. "In an unfortunate incident, an Army vehicle carrying troops for an operation, slipped off the road while navigating treacherous terrain in bad weather, in general area of Doda. There are multiple casualties, including fatal. The injured have been evacuated for further treatment," it stated. LG Manoj Sinha and chief minister Omar Abdullah have expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives of soldiers. "Deeply saddened at the loss of lives of 10 of our brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate road accident in Doda. We will always remember the outstanding service and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers. My deepest condolences to the grieving families," Sinha wrote on X. "In this moment of profound sorrow, the entire nation stands united with the bereaved families in solidarity and support. 10 Injured soldiers have been airlifted to the hospital. Directed the Senior officials to ensure best possible treatment. Praying for their speedy recovery," he added. "Chief Minister has expressed deep grief over the tragic accident involving an Army vehicle at Khannitop on the Bhaderwah-Chamba road. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those injured, lauding the swift rescue and evacuation efforts," read a post on chief minister Omar Abdullah's X account. In a post on X, Union home minister Amit Shah said he was "deeply pained" by the accident and conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. He also said that the injured jawans were being provided the highest level of medical care. Sharing an X post, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the injured soldiers were receiving medical attention and assured that all necessary directions had been issued to ensure the best possible treatment. "Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Doda in which we lost our 10 brave soldiers of the Indian Army. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The injured soldiers are receiving medical care and all necessary directions have been given to ensure the best possible treatment. The nation stands with our Armed Forces and their families in this difficult hour," Singh wrote....