16 Indian Army soldiers dead in road accident

KATHMANDU: At least 16 Indian Army soldiers died when their truck skidded down into a deep gorge at Zema in North Sikkim on Friday.

According to India’s Defence Ministry, three junior commissioned officers and 13 soldiers have been confirmed dead.

The truck was carrying 20 soldiers. Four injured have been air evacuated, according to the news agency ANI.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has condoled the deaths of soldiers. “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,” Singh said in his tweet post.