Pathanamthitta: A Malayali soldier was also killed in the road accident which claimed the life of 16 Indian Army personnel in Sikkim. The Keralite is identified as Vaisakh, a native of Chenganiyurkkavu in Palakkad.
Vaisakh was serving in the Indian Army for the past 8 years. According to reports, the Indian Army informed Vaisakh’s family about his tragic death.
The accident took place on Friday. Sixteen soldiers including three Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) were killed in the road accident when the vehicle they were travelling in fell into a gorge while negotiating a sharp turn at Zema in North Sikkim, the Army said.
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.
"Unfortunately, three Junior Commissioned Officers and 13 soldiers succumbed to the injuries sustained in the accident. Indian Army stands firm with the bereaved families, at this hour of loss." it said