16 Indian army men die in Sikkim road accident

Sixteen Indian army men died today after a truck carrying them skidded down a steep slope and fell into a gorge in the north eastern state of Sikkim, the army said in a statement.

The accident took place at Zema in North Sikkim. The vehicle was part of a three-vehicle convoy that had moved from Chatten in the morning on its way to Thangu, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

The truck slipped down the steep slope while negotiating a sharp turn, the Indian army statement said adding 13 soldiers and three junior commissioned officers lost their lives in the accident. It also left four soldiers injured who have been air evacuated.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed sorrow at the loss of lives and offered condolences to the bereaved families.

"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," he tweeted.