16 Army personnel killed in road accident in Sikkim

Sixteen Army personnel including three Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) were killed in a road accident at Zema in North Sikkim on Friday (December 23). The accident happened when the vehicle skidded off while taking a sharp turn, the Army said.

The truck was part of a three-vehicle convoy that had moved from Chatten in the morning towards Thangu via Zema.

Army's statement: "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.

"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 statement said.

Rescue mission: "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 Indian Army said in a statement.

Defence minister condoles loss of lives: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoled the loss of lives in the accident. "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 wrote on Twitter.

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