Seven soldiers were killed when a vehicle carrying them skidded off the road and rolled down into a gorge near Shyok river in Ladakh on Friday, officials said.

A party of 26 soldiers was moving from Partapur transit camp to a forward location in Turtuk in Leh district, they said.

The vehicle carrying them skidded off the road and fell into a gorge, resulting in injuries to all of them, the officials said.

The rescue operation was carried out swiftly and all the soldiers were evacuated to a field hospital in Partapur, they said Seven of them succumbed to injuries, the officials said, adding much other personnel have also suffered grievous injuries and are undergoing treatment.

Efforts are being taken to ensure the best medical care for the injured, including the requisition of air effort from IAF to shift more serious ones to Western Command. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss and hoped for speedy recovery of the injured. 

“Anguished by the bus accident in Ladakh in which we have lost our brave army personnel. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope those injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being given to the affected.”

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed grief over the news. “Deeply pained to learn about loss of lives of our brave Army personnel in a tragic bus accident in Ladakh. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families. Their selfless service to the nation will always be remembered. Prayers for speedy recovery of injured,” Office of JK Lt Governor said.

Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh sent condolences to bereaved families.