16 Jawans Martyred As Army Truck Falls Into Gorge; PM & President Express Condolence

Gangtok: Sixteen jawans were killed on Friday after the truck they were travelling in fell into a gorge, Indian Army said in a statement.

Those who lost their lives in the accident at Zema, in north Sikkim, included three junior commissioned officers and 13 soldiers.

The truck, part of a three-vehicle convoy that moved from Chatten towards Thangu, skidded down a steep slope while negotiating a sharp turn, the Army statement said.

Four soldiers who were injured have been air evacuated for proper treatment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu offered condolences to the bereaved families.

“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,” PMO tweeted.

“Anguished to learn about the loss of lives of brave soldiers of 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,” tweeted President Droupadi Murmu.

Union Defence minister Rajnath Singh and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi were among others who expressed pain at the loss of jawans’ lives.