Sikkim: Sixteen Indian Army soldiers, including three officers, were killed in a road accident in north Sikkim on Friday.
The Army truck that they were travelling in skidded down a steep slope at Zema, about 15 kms away from Lachen town, while negotiating a sharp turn, a statement said. The truck was part of a three-vehicle convoy that had moved from Chatten in the morning and was on its way to Thangu.
“A rescue mission was immediately launched, and four injured soldiers have been air evacuated,” according to the statement. “Unfortunately, three Junior Commissioned Officers and 13 soldiers succumbed to the injuries sustained in the accident.” The condition of the four injured Army personnel is not clear as of now.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to micro blogging site Twitter and said he is “deeply pained” over the loss of lives of the personnel.
“Deeply pained by the loss of lives of the Indian Army personnel due to a road accident in North Sikkim. The nation is deeply grateful for their service and commitment. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of those who are injured.,” he said.
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