GANGTOK: At least 16 Army personnel were killed and four injured in a road accident involving an Army truck at Zema in North Sikkim.
Three junior commissioned officers and 13 soldiers succumbed to the injuries sustained in the accident.
The accident took place when the vehicle skidded down a steep slope while negotiating a sharp turn, ANI quoted the Indian Army as saying.
In the morning, a convoy of three vehicles left Chatten and headed towards Thangu. As the convoy passed through Zema, the ill-fated vehicle lost control while negotiating a sharp turn and skidded down a steep slope.
The Indian Army immediately launched a rescue mission and four injured soldiers were airlifted to receive medical treatment.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh extended heartfelt condolences to the kin of the deceased.
"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 tweeted.
President Droupadi Murmu anguished at the loss of lives of brave soldiers of the Indian Army in a road accident in Sikkim.
"My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," the President said.
