7 Army troops killed, 16 injured as bus falls into Shyok river in Ladakh

Vishal Thapar May 28, 2022

Seven troops of the Indian Army were killed and another 16 seriously injured when the bus transporting them to a forward location skidded off the mountainous road and fell 60 feet into the Shyok river in the Turtuk area of Ladakh on May 27.

The troops were being moved for deployment to Sub-Sector Hanif from the Partapur transit camp in a hired vehicle when the mishap occurred, about 25 km from Those.

Military sources described the condition of the 16 soldiers injured as “grievous”. They were evacuated first to the 403 Field Hospital at Partapur and then airlifted to the Western Command Hospital at Chandimandir for treatment.

The political leadership has condoled the death of the troops.

The SHO of the Nubra police station Stanzin Dorje has been quoted in media reports stating that the fatal mishap is likely to have been caused by driving error. An FIR has been registered under Section 304A for causing death due to a rash and negligent act.

“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,” stated President Ram Nath Kovind, also the Supreme Commander of India’s armed forces.

“Anguished by the bus accident in Ladakh in which we have lost our brave Army personnel,” stated Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The sentiment was echoed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. “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,” he stated.

“Spoke to the Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, who apprised me of the situation and steps taken by the Army to save the lives of the injured soldiers. The Army is providing all possible assistance to the injured personnel,” the Defence Minister added.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was “extremely saddened to hear of the tragic accident with Indian Army personnel in Ladakh”. He expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured troops.