Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday condoled the loss of lives of army personnel due to a road mishap in North Sikkim.
Modi also wished speedy recovery of those who got injured in the road mishap.
The Prime Minister in a tweet 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,” Modi said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was deeply saddened by the unfortunate road accident in North Sikkim, which claimed the lives of 16 bravehearts of the Indian Army.
“I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate road accident in North Sikkim, claiming the lives of 16 bravehearts of the Indian Army,” Banerjee tweeted.
“Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May God give them strength to bear the irreparable loss. Praying for speedy recovery of the injured,” she added.
Sixteen Indian Army personnel were killed and four others injured when their truck fell into a deep gorge at Zema in North Sikkim and Friday, a Defence ministry spokesperson said.
Three of the deceased were junior officers, and the thirteen others soldiers.
The four injured soldiers were airlifted to hospital.
"In a tragic road accident, involving an Army Truck at Zema, North Sikkim, sixteen Bravehearts of the Indian Army have lost their lives," the spokesperson said.
The ill-fated truck was part of a three-vehicle convoy that had moved from Chatten in the morning towards Thangu. Enroute at Zema, which is at a height of 9324 feet, the vehicle skidded down a steep slope while negotiating a sharp turn. A rescue mission was immediately launched.
"Indian Army stands firm with the bereaved families, at this hour of loss," the spokesperson added. (UNI)