Guwahati: In a tragic incident, at least sixteen jawans including three Junior Commissioned Officers were killed and four others injured after the truck they were traveling skidded down a steep slope and fell into a gorge in North Sikkim near the India-China border on Friday.
The incident took place in the Zema area in Lachen of the district.
According to sources, the vehicle was part of a three-vehicle convoy that had moved from Chatten in the morning toward Thangu.
The official said that enroute at Zema, the vehicle skidded down a steep slope while negotiating a sharp turn.
The official further added that the accident left four soldiers injured and they have been airlifted to an Army hospital in North Bengal.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, expressed his grief at the loss of valuable lives. Taking to Twitter, Singh wrote, “Deeply pained by the loss of lives of the Indian Army personnel due to a road accident in North Sikkim. 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.”
