In a tragic road accident, 16 personnel of the Indian Army, including three junior commissioned officers (JCOs) lost their lives in Zema area of North Sikkim on Friday.
Four other soldiers were left injured after their Army truck skidded down a steep slope while negotiating a sharp turn.
“The ill-fated vehicle was part of a three-vehicle convoy that had moved from Chatten in the morning towards Thangu,” said Army spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat.
A rescue mission was launched immediately and the four injured soldiers were airlifted.
“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,” the statement reads.
(This is a developing story)