16 Jawans Martyred In Road Accident Near India-China Border In Sikkim

New Delhi: At least 16 Army jawans were martyred and four others critically injured after their vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a gorge at a remote location in North Sikkim near the India-China border on Friday.

According to officials, the injured have been airlifted to an Army hospital in north Bengal.

The Army vehicle was heading towards the border posts with 20 occupants.

The vehicle seemed to have veered off the road while negotiating a curve in the Zema 3 area and crashed hundreds of feet down, officials added.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed grief over the incident.

Taking to Twitter, Rajnath said:

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