16 Army jawans die in north Sikkim road accident, 4 injured

At least 16 Army jawans have lost their lives and four were injured in a road accident involving an Army truck in North Sikkim’s Zema. The accident happened on Friday when the vehicle fell off a steep slope while negotiating a sharp turn, the Indian Army said in a statement.

“The ill-fated vehicle was part of a 3-vehicle convoy that had moved from Chatten in the morning towards Thangu. En route at Zema, the truck skidded down a steep slope while negotiating a sharp turn. A rescue mission was immediately launched & 4 injured soldiers air evacuated”, said Indian Army.

Expressing grief over the unfortunate incident, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “Deeply pained by the loss of lives of Indian Army personnel due to a road accident in North Sikkim. The nation is deeply grateful for their service & commitment. My condolences to bereaved families; Praying for speedy recovery of the injured.”

More details awaited.

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