The mangled remains of the Indian Army vehicle that met with the accident in Sikkim’s Pakyong. (Photo: via X)
Gangtok: Four Indian Army soldiers lost their lives in a road accident while travelling along the Silk Route in Sikkim’s Pakyong district, on Thursday. The accident occurred near Dalapchand Dara on the Rhenock-Rongli state highway, when their vehicle skidded off the road and plunged approximately 700 to 800 feet down a steep ravine.
The deceased soldiers have been identified as Pradeep Patel from Madhya Pradesh, W Peter from Manipur, Gursev Singh from Haryana, and K Thangapandi from Tamil Nadu. They were a part of the same unit stationed in Binnaguri, West Bengal, and were on their way from Pedong to Zuluk in Sikkim when the accident occurred.
Local authorities and rescue teams rushed to the scene, but despite their swift efforts, the severity of the accident left no survivors among the personnel involved. The bodies of the four soldiers have been recovered and sent for postmortem.
The Army has expressed its sorrow over the loss of its personnel and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. An official statement from the Army highlighted the dedication and service of the deceased soldiers, acknowledging their commitment to the nation.
The cause of the accident is currently under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that the vehicle may have lost control due to the challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions prevalent in the region. The Silk Route, known for its scenic beauty, is also notorious for its treacherous roads and sharp curves, which pose significant risks to travellers.
It may be recalled, in December 2022, 16 Army soldiers lost their lives in Sikkim’s Zema when the truck they were travelling skidded off the road and crashed, as India Sentinels had reported. The loss of these courageous soldiers is a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by the armed forces in the line of duty while operating in inhospitable terrain.
