New Delhi: Nine Army soldiers were killed and 19 others were injured in the Turtuk sector of Ladakh on Friday when the vehicle they were traveling skidded off the road and fell into the Shyok river, Army officials said.
The accident took place at around 9 am at a place that is around 25 km from Thoise, they said. Officials said the vehicle they were traveling in skidded off the road and fell in the Shyok river. As many as 26 soldiers were on their way from the transit camp in Partapur to a forward location in sub-sector Hanif.
"There are grievous injuries to others as well. Dedicated efforts are underway to ensure that the best medical care is provided to the injured," said an official. The officials said the vehicle fell into the Shyok river to a depth of approximately 50 to 60 feet from the road.
"A party of 26 soldiers was moving from the transit camp in Partapur to a forward location in sub-sector Hanif. At around 9 am, 25km from Thoise, the vehicle skidded off the road and fell in Shyok river," the official cited above said. All the injured were initially taken to the 403 Field Hospital at Partapur.
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Hours later, all 19 injured personnel have been shifted to Chandimandir in the Panchkula district of Haryana. "Efforts are underway to ensure that the best medical care is provided to the injured, including requisition of air effort from the Air Force to shift the more serious casualties to Western Command," the Indian Army said in a statement.
Expressing concern over the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted "Anguished by the bus accident in Ladakh in which we have lost our brave army personnel. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being given to the affected."
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Anguished by the bus accident in Ladakh in which we have lost our brave army personnel. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope those injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being given to the affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 27, 2022 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">Anguished by the bus accident in Ladakh in which we have lost our brave army personnel. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope those injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being given to the affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 27, 2022Anguished by the bus accident in Ladakh in which we have lost our brave army personnel. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope those injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being given to the affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 27, 2022
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed sorrow over the incident. "Extremely saddened to hear of the tragic accident with Indian Army personnel in Ladakh. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and wishes for the speedy recovery of our injured soldiers."
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Extremely saddened to hear of the tragic accident with Indian Army personnel in Ladakh.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 27, 2022 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
My deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and wishes for the speedy recovery of our injured soldiers.
">Extremely saddened to hear of the tragic accident with Indian Army personnel in Ladakh.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 27, 2022
My deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and wishes for the speedy recovery of our injured soldiers.Extremely saddened to hear of the tragic accident with Indian Army personnel in Ladakh.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 27, 2022
My deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and wishes for the speedy recovery of our injured soldiers.
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Taking to Twitter, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande briefed him about the incident. "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives of our brave Indian Army personnel due to a bus tragedy in Ladakh. We will never forget their exemplary service to our nation. My condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured" Singh tweeted.
"Spoke to the Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, who apprised me of the situation and steps taken by the Army to save the lives of the injured soldiers. The Army is providing all possible assistance to the injured personnel," Singh said.
"Deeply distressed by the traumatic road accident death of our 7 brave soldiers in Ladakh today afternoon. Some more seriously injured in the case. Sincere condolences for the bereaved, solidarity for all," tweeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
