Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, 27 May, took to Twitter to condole the death of seven Indian Army soldiers, who lost their lives in a vehicle accident in Ladakh's Turtuk sector earlier in the day.
"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," PM Modi tweeted.
As many as 19 other army men were injured in the accident, and were airlifted to Chandimandir Command Hospital, news agency ANI reported.
"A party of 26 soldiers was moving from the Transit Camp in Partapur to a forward location in Sub Sector Hanif. At approximately 9 am, around 25 km from Thoise, the vehicle skidded off the road and fell in Shyok river (to a depth of approximately 50-60ft), resulting in injuries to all occupants," NDTV quoted an army spokesperson as saying.
The spokesperson had 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."
'Deeply Distressed': Condolences Pour In For Slain Soldiers
Several political leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, have since taken to Twitter to condole the death of the soldiers.
Stating that the accident "is very sad," Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted in Hindi, "I express my condolences to the families of our brave soldiers who have lost their lives in this accident. The injured have been taken for speedy treatment, I pray to God for their speedy recovery."
In his condolence message, Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "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."
"Deeply distressed by the traumatic road accident death of our seven brave soldiers in Ladakh today afternoon. Some more seriously injured in the case. Sincere condolences for the bereaved, solidarity for all," CM Banerjee wrote on Twitter.
"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," tweeted Rajnath Singh and added that the Army is providing all possible assistance to the injured personnel.
Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, also expressed his "hearfelt condolences" saying, "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."
(With inputs from ANI and NDTV.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)