An Army truck fell into a ditch in Sikkim's Zema on Friday. 16 soldiers were martyred in this, 4 are injured. The army said that the vehicle skidded at a sharp turn and fell straight into the gorge. Two other army vehicles were accompanying this vehicle. All the three vehicles left for Thangu from Chaten in the morning. Army's rescue team is evacuating dead bodies and injured soldiers by helicopter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over this accident and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. He announced Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund to the families of the jawans who lost their lives and Rs 50,000 each to the injured.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted- Deeply saddened by the loss of lives of Indian Army soldiers in a road accident in North Sikkim. The nation is grateful to them for their service and commitment. My condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers. I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured soldiers.
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.
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