New Delhi: Five Indian army soldiers including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) were killed after their T-72 tank was swept away while crossing a river in Eastern Ladakh, according to a report in Deccan Herald.
The tank with five soldiers onboard sank after flash floods as it was attempting to cross the river.
“On 28 June 2024 night, while deinducting from a military training activity, an army tank got stuck in the Shyok River, near Saser Brangsa, Eastern Ladakh due to sudden increase in the water level,” said a statement by the Army.
“Rescue teams rushed to the location, however, due to high current and water levels, the rescue mission didn’t succeed and the tank crew lost their lives. Indian Army regrets loss of five brave personnel while being operationally deployed in Eastern Ladakh. Rescue operations are underway,” the statement added.
Union minister for defence Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences for the soldiers deaths.
“Deeply saddened at the loss of lives of five of our brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate accident while getting the tank across a river in Ladakh,” he wrote on X.
“We will never forget exemplary service of our gallant soldiers to the nation. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The nation stands firm with them during this hour of grief.”
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed his condolences in a statement.
“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,” he wrote on X.
“In this hour of grief, the nation stands together in saluting the exemplary service of our valiant soldiers,” added Kharge.
