As many as seven Indian Army soldiers lost their lives after the bus they were travelling in skidded off the road and fell in the Shyokriver in the Turtuk sector of Ladakh on Friday.
There were 26 soldiers in the bus, which was moving from the Transit Camp in Partapur to a forward location in sub-sector Hanif. The accident took place at 9 am around 25 km from Thoise. The bus fell to a depth of around 50-60 feet, resulting in injuries to all occupants.The Army officials further informed that the injured were evacuated to the 403 Field Hospital at Partapur and surgical teams from Leh have moved to Partapur.
“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,” the spokesperson added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and
expressed his heartfelt condolences.
“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,” the Prime Minister Tweeted.
The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and J&K L-G Manoj Sinha also expressed their condolences for the slain soldiers in their Tweets.
“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,” the minister tweeted while adding, “…the Army is providing all possible assistance to the injured personnel.”
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir,Manoj Sinha, tweeted: “Deeply pained to learn about loss of lives of our brave Army personnel in a tragic bus accident in Ladakh. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families in this hour of grief.”
“Their selfless service to the nation will always be remembered. Prayers for speedy recovery of injured,” Sinha’s tweet said.