New Delhi : Sixteen Army personnel lost their lives after an Army truck met with an accident in north Sikkim on Friday. “The ill-fated vehicle, which was part of a convoy, skidded down a steep slope at Zema while negotiating a sharp turn,” the Army’s Eastern Command said in a statement. Four injured soldiers, who were evacuated by air, are being treated at a military hospital in Siliguri, officials said.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was “deeply pained” by the loss of lives of the personnel. “The nation is deeply grateful for their service and commitment,“ he tweeted.
The bodies of the deceased will be transported to their respective native places by air and road on Saturday, a defence spokesperson said in Guwahati.
Wreath laying on the mortal remains of the 16 Army personnel who died in the tragic accident at Zema in North Sikkim will be held at Bagdogra airport on Saturday, the Army said.
“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,” the Army said in the statement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief at the death of the Army personnel.
Quoting Mr. Modi, the PMO tweeted, “Pained by the loss of lives of our brave army personnel due to a road mishap in Sikkim. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon.” The Army said the truck was part of a three-vehicle convoy that 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.
A defence spokesperson said later that mortal remains of the deceased will be sent to their homes from Bagdogra airport in West Bengal on Saturday.
