Seven soldiers of the Indian Army died and 19 were injured after a bus fell into the Shyok river in Ladakh’s Turuk sector, ANI reported citing unidentified officials.
The accident took place at 9 am, when the bus plunged into the river nearly 25 kilometres away from the Thoise airbase. The injured soldiers were airlifted to Chandimandir Command Hospital in Haryana’s Panchkula city.
A first information report has been filed under Indian Penal Code sections 279 (rash driving), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 304A (casusing death by negligence) at Nubra police station, according to Greater Kashmir.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he was anguished by the news of the accident.
“My thoughts are with the bereaved families,” he said in a tweet. “I hope those injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being given to the affected.”
President Ram Nath Kovind said he was saddened to know about the accident.
“My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased,” he said in a tweet. “I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
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