16 Indian Army personnel dead, 4 injured in road accident in North Sikkim; Def Min Condoles deaths

The accident took place while an Army truck, part of a three-vehicle convoy skidded down a steep slope while negotiating a sharp turn

As many as 16 Indian Army personnel were killed and four others injured in a tragic road accident at Zema, North Sikkim this morning.

The accident took place while an Army truck, part of a three-vehicle convoy skidded down a steep slope while negotiating a sharp turn, an official statement from the Indian Army said.

The convoy was moving from Chatten to Thangu.

“A rescue mission was immediately launched, and four injured soldiers have been air evacuated. Unfortunately, three Junior Commissioned Officers and 13 soldiers succumbed to the injuries sustained in the accident,” the Army statement said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has condoled the deaths and expressed gratitude to the soldiers for their service and commitment.

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.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 23, 2022

“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,” Defence Minister’s tweet read.

Expressing solidarity with the families of the deceased and condoling the deaths, the Army said “Indian Army stands firm with the bereaved families, at this hour of loss.”

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