An unfortunate incident took place today where, 16 Army personnel lost their lives, and four were injured in a road accident involving an Army truck at Zema, North Sikkim. The accident happened when the vehicle skidded down a steep slope while negotiating a sharp turn, Indian Army said. Three Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) were killed in a road accident at Zema when their vehicle skidded off while negotiating a sharp turn. Army vehicle involved in accident in North Sikkim was part of three-vehicle convoy going from Chatten towards Thangu. Enroute, the vehicle skidded down a steep slope at Zema while negotiating a sharp turn, according to the Army. “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.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he is “deeply pained” over the loss of lives of the personnel. “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,” he said.
The Army said in its 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.” It said the ill-fated vehicle was part of a three-vehicle convoy that had moved from Chatten in the morning towards Thangu.
“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 Army said.
“Unfortunately, three Junior Commissioned Officers and 13 soldiers succumbed to the injuries sustained in the accident. Indian Army stands firm with the bereaved families, at this hour of loss.” it said.