New Delhi, Dec. 23: Sixteen soldiers died as an Army truck fell into a gorge in North Sikkim on Friday morning.
The truck carrying the soldiers skidded off the road in a mountainous area. The truck was part of a three-vehicle convoy that had started from Chatten towards Thangu in the morning.
At Zema, the vehicle skidded down a steep slope while negotiating a sharp turn, Army officials said. A rescue mission was immediately launched and four injured soldiers were evacuated. Three JCOs and 13 soldiers succumbed to their injuries, the officials said. The Army stands firm with the bereaved families, the official said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he is “deeply pained” over the loss of lives of the personnel. “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.
The Army said in its statement, “In a tragic road accident, involving an Army truck on December 23 at Zema in North Sikkim, 16 bravehearts of the Indian Army have lost their lives.” It said the ill-fated vehicle was part of a three-vehicle convoy that had moved from Chatten in the morning towards Thangu.
“Enroute at Zema, the vehicle skidded down a steep slope while negotiating a sharp turn. A rescue mission was immediately launched, and four injured soldiers have been air evacuated,” the Army said.
“Unfortunately, three Junior Commissioned Officers and 13 soldiers succumbed to the injuries sustained in the accident. Indian Army stands firm with the bereaved families, at this hour of loss.” it said.
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