5 soldiers drowned when tank got stuck in Shyok river during Ladakh army exercise
JCO, four jawans were in T-72 tank when the water level suddenly rose while exercise was on near Line of Actual Control in Daulat Beg Oldie on Friday night
Five Indian Army soldiers, including a junior commissioned officer (JCO), were drowned when a tank got stuck in the Shyok river near Saser Brangsa in eastern Ladakh due to sudden increase in the water level on Friday night.
A defence release said that the accident happened while de-inducting from a military training activity.Rescue teams rushed to the location, however, due to the strong current and water levels, the mission didn’t succeed and the tank crew lost their lives.
The Indian Army regrets the loss of five brave personnel while being operationally deployed in eastern Ladakh, the statement said, adding that rescue operations are underway.
Expressing grief, defence minister Rajnath Singh said: “Deeply saddened at the loss of lives of five army soldiers in an unfortunate accident while getting a tank across a river in Ladakh. We will never forget the exemplary service of our gallant soldiers.”
“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The nation stands firm with them during this hour of grief,” he added in his post on X.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said he was deeply distressed by the news of the accident and the loss of lives. “Deeply distressed at the loss of lives of 5 Indian Army bravehearts, including a JCO, while getting a T-72 tank across a river in Ladakh. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the army personnel who fell victim to this painful tragedy. In this hour of grief, the nation stands together in saluting the exemplary service of our valiant soldiers,” he posted on X.
Arunachal CM Pema Khandu also expressed condolences. “Deeply disturbed to learn that a T-72 tank with five soldiers has been swept away by flash floods near the Line of Actual Control in the Nyoma-Chusul area of Ladakh. Praying for the safety and well-being of our brave soldiers,” he shared on X.
