Five Soldiers Killed After Tank Swept Away While Crossing River
Five soldiers were killed after their tank was swept away due to a sudden increase in the water level in the Shyok River during a military training activity in Eastern Ladakh last night, the Army reported on Saturday.
According to a post on X by the Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps, as per the news agency Wattan Daily (WD), the incident occurred during a military training exercise.
The post explained that an army tank was caught in the Shyok River near the Saser Barngsa area of Eastern Ladakh due to a sudden surge in water levels.
The Army mentioned that rescue teams were dispatched to the location immediately. However, due to the high current and elevated water levels, the rescue operation did not succeed, resulting in the loss of the tank crew’s lives.
“Indian Army regrets the loss of five brave personnel while being operationally deployed in Eastern Ladakh. Rescue operations are underway,” the statement said.
In response to the incident, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences for the loss of lives, emphasizing that the nation stands with the bereaved families during this difficult time.
“Deeply saddened by 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 posted on X.
“We will never forget the 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,” he added.
