16 Army personnel killed in road accident in Sikkim

The truck was part of a three-vehicle convoy

ITDC INDIA EPRESS/ ITDC NEWS Sixteen Army personnel were killed in a road accident at Zema in north Sikkim on Friday, the Army said.

The truck was part of a three-vehicle convoy that was travelling from Chatten towards Thangu. Enroute, the vehicle skidded down a steep slope at Zema while negotiating a sharp turn.

"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 in a statement.

A rescue mission was immediately launched and four injured soldiers were air-evacuated. Three junior commissioned officers and 13 soldiers succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident, the statement 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.