In an unfortunate accident 16 Indian Army personnel including three Junior Commissioned Officers (JCQs) were killed in a road accident when the vehicle they were traveling in fell into a gorge while negotiating a sharp turn at Zema in North Sikkim, the Army said. "Pained by the loss of lives of our brave army personnel due to a road mishap in Sikkim. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon , Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.

Pained by the loss of lives of our brave army personnel due to a road mishap in Sikkim. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 23, 2022

"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 the statement.

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 in a tweet.

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.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 23, 2022

As per reports in the PTI, the Army said the truck was part of a three-vehicle convoy that moved from Chatten in the morning towards Thangu. "Enroute at Zema, the vehicle skidded down a steep slope while negotiating a sharp turn. A rescue mission was immediately launched, and four injured soldiers have been air evacuated," the Army said. Indian Army stands firm with the bereaved families, at this hour of loss." it said.

16 Army personnel have lost their lives, four injured in a road accident involving an Army truck at Zema, North Sikkim. Om Shanti 🙏#IndianArmy #Sikkim pic.twitter.com/uI2kR50xh4
— ɅMɅN DUВΞY (@imAmanDubey) December 23, 2022

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