Seven soldiers were killed and several others injured when a vehicle carrying them skidded off the road and fell into the Shyok river in Ladakh on Friday, Army officials said.
The accident took place in the Turtuk sector at around 9 am at a place which is around 25 kilometres from Thoise in the Nubra region of Leh district, they said.
A party of 26 soldiers was moving in the vehicle from Partapur transit camp to a forward location in sub-sector Hanif, the officials said.
The vehicle skidded off the road and fell into the river, resulting in injuries to all of them, they said.
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A rescue operation was carried out swiftly and all the soldiers were evacuated to field hospital in Partapur, the officials said.
"Seven individuals have been declared fatal so far. There are grievous injuries to others as well. Dedicated 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," an official said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi anguished over Ladakh incident:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed anguish over the road accident in Ladakh in which seven army personnel lost their lives and said all possible assistance is being given to those affected.
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"Anguished by the bus accident in Ladakh in which we have lost our brave army personnel," Modi said in a tweet.
"My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope those injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being given to the affected," he said.
President Ram Nath Kovind expresses grief:
President Ram Nath Kovind has expressed grief over the death of soldiers in a road accident in Ladakh and conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased.
"Saddened to know that an unfortunate road accident in Ladakh has claimed the lives of some of our brave soldiers. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," Kovind tweeted.
Rahul Gandhi expresses sadness over Ladakh incident:
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi has expressed sadness over the death of Army soldiers in Ladakh and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
"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," Gandhi said on Twitter.
Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "Deeply shocked at the news of the terrible tragedy leading to loss of lives of our brave hearts serving mother India in difficult terrain. Our heartfelt condolences to their family and loved ones."
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AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also said the death of seven soldiers in Turtuk sector is very painful and paid her tributes to them. She also wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
(With PTI inputs)
