On Friday, India lost 16 soldiers in a worst accident in Sikkim. The deceased includes Sixteen three Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) along with other Army personel. The accident took place at Zema in North Sikkim on Friday when their vehicle skidded off while negotiating a sharp turn.

The Army vehicle in which the personnel were travelling was part of a three-vehicle convoy going from Chatten towards Thangu.

The Army issued a statement immediately after the accident, “The ill-fated vehicle was part of a 3-vehicle convoy that had moved from Chatten in the morning towards Thangu. Enroute at Zema, the truck skidded down a steep slope while negotiating a sharp turn. A rescue mission was immediately launched and 4 injured soldiers were air evacuated”.

The Indian Army tweeted to express its tributes to the soldiers.

Union defence minister Rajnath Singh said he is deeply pained by the loss of lives of the Indian Army personnel due to the accident.
“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 tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted.

However, this is the initial numbers, there are chances of death toll escalating as many are critically injured.