In a heart-wrenching incident marking a huge loss to the Indian Army and the country, 16 jawans lost their lives in a road accident in North Sikkim hours ago today, in Zema while negotiating a sharp turn in a place called Zema.
The vehicle that fell off the steep slope was part of the three-vehicle convoy that was proceeding to Thangu which had set its journey from Chatten earlier in the morning.
The vehicle lost its control and skidded down the slope the reports that surfaced claimed. Soon after the accident, a rescue mission was launched, which saw the evacuation of four injured soldiers and have been air evacuated for treatment.
In a tragic road accident, involving an Army Truck on 23 Dec at Zema, North #Sikkim,16 Bravehearts of the #IndianArmy have lost their lives.
— Manish Prasad (@manishindiatv) December 23, 2022
The ill-fated vehicle was part of a three-vehicle convoy that had moved from Chatten in the morning towards Thangu.@indiatvnews
Unfortunately, three Junior Commissioned Officers and 13 soldiers succumbed to the injuries sustained in the accident.
Indian Army has shown huge grief on the incident that took to the media saying, "Indian Army stands firm with the bereaved families, at this hour of loss.”
More Details on the matter is awaited.