Sixteen Indian Army personnel including three Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) died after a road crash when the vehicle they were traveling in fell into a gorge while it was attempting to negotiate a sharp turn at Zema in North Sikkim.
Four injured soldiers have been air evacuated.
“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.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief at the death of the Army personnel.
“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,” the PM’s office stated.
The Army said the truck was part of a three-vehicle convoy that were moving from Chatten in the morning towards Thangu.
