Five Indian Army personnel, including a junior commissioned officer, lost their lives early Saturday when their tank sank due to flash floods near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Nyoma-Chushul area of Ladakh. According to the Fire and Fury Corps, the Indian Army’s Udhampur-based part of the Northern Command, post on X, “On 28 June 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”.
On 28 Jun 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. Rescue teams rushed to the location, however, due to high current and water levels,…
— @firefurycorps_IA (@firefurycorps) June 29, 2024
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating, “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 offered condolences to the bereaved families and assured them of the nation’s support during this difficult time.
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.
We will never forget exemplary service of our gallant soldiers to the nation. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved…
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 29, 2024
According to a statement from the Leh-based Army Public Relations Officer (PRO), the tank was trapped in the Shyok River due to a sudden rise in the water level while it was being de-inducted from a military training exercise.
“Rescue teams rushed to the location; however, due to high currents and water levels, the rescue mission was unsuccessful, and the tank crew lost their lives. The Indian Army regrets the loss of five brave personnel while operationally deployed in eastern Ladakh. Rescue operations are underway,” the statement read.
The incident occurred approximately 148 kilometres from Leh around 1 am, with the soldiers aboard the T-72 tank.
Team BharatShakti