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Seven Army soldiers were killed and 19 others injured in the Tuktuk sector of Ladakh on Friday when the vehicle they were travelling skidded off the road and fell into the Shyok river, Army officials said.
They have been identified as Subedar Shinde Vijay Rao Sarjerao, Naib Subedar Gurudyal Sahu, Lance Havaldar MD Saijal T, Naiks Sandeep Pal, Jadav Prashant Shivaji and Ramanuj Kumar, and Lance Naik Bappaditya Khutia.
The accident took place at around 9 am at a place that is around 25 km from Thoise, they said
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was 'anguished' over the bus accident.
"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," Modi said in a tweet.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Army chief General Manoj Pande following the tragic incident. General Pande apprised Singh of the situation and the steps taken by the Army to save the lives of the injured soldiers.
"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 defence minister wrote on Twitter.
Officials said the vehicle they were travelling in skidded off the road and fell in the Shyok river.
A total of 26 soldiers were on their way from a transit camp in Partapur to a forward location in sub-sector Hanif.
"Seven individuals have been declared dead 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," 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, 25 km 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.
Hours later, all 19 injured personnel have been shifted to Chandimandir in the Panchkula district of Haryana.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also condoled the death of the soldiers.
"Deeply saddened by the news of loss of precious lives of our brave Army personnel in Ladakh. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Wish a speedy recovery to the injured," he tweeted.