Five Army personnel, including a junior commissioned officer, drowned after a T-72 tank they were operating was swept away by flash floods while crossing the Shyok river near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh’s Nyoma-Chushul area early Saturday, reports PTI.
The incident took place around 1 am near Mandir Morh, approximately 148 kilometers from the region’s headquarters.
According to officials, the T-72 tank sank due to flash floods when they were trying to cross the river.
A Leh-based Army PRO said in a statement, “On 28 June, 2024 night, while de-inducting 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.”
“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,” it added.
Rescue operations are underway, it said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a post on X, said he was deeply saddened by the unfortunate accident.
“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,” Singh said.
“We will never forget exemplary service of our gallant soldiers to the nation. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” he said.”The nation stands firm with them during this hour of grief,” he said.
