"Five Soldiers Lose Lives in Ladakh as T-72 Tank is Swept Away by Shyok River"

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India Jun 29, 2024 0 13 Add to Reading List

"Five Soldiers Lose Lives in Ladakh as T-72 Tank is Swept Away by Shyok River"

Tragedy struck in New Delhi as five soldiers, including a junior commissioned officer (JCO), tragically lost their lives during a tank exercise in eastern Ladakh on Friday night. Officials familiar with the incident reported that their Russian-made T-72 tank was swept away by the turbulent waters of the Shyok River near Saser Brangsa.

Despite efforts led by a squad of combat engineers, officials reported that attempts to rescue the tank crew failed due to strong currents. The soldiers belonged to the 52 Armoured Regiment stationed at Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO), India’s northernmost military base near the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, according to sources cited by Hindustan Times.

Officials speaking anonymously revealed that a squad of nine soldiers attempted to rescue the trapped men using a BAUT (boat assault universal type) but had to abort the mission due to hazardous conditions in the swollen river.

"Such river crossings are a standard part of training exercises, with careful consideration given to river conditions. The unforeseen flash flood was a sudden and unexpected development," elaborated another unnamed official.

"On the night of June 28, 2024, as a military training exercise concluded, an army tank became trapped in the Shyok River near Saser Brangsa, Eastern Ladakh, due to a sudden surge in water levels. Despite swift rescue efforts, the mission was thwarted by strong currents and high water levels, leading to the tragic loss of the tank crew's lives," stated the Leh-based HQs 14 Corps.

"The Indian Army deeply mourns the loss of five brave personnel during their operational duties in Eastern Ladakh. Ongoing efforts are dedicated to continuing the rescue operations."

Officials mentioned that the names of the five soldiers will be released after their families have been notified.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of five of our courageous Indian Army soldiers in a tragic incident while crossing a river in Ladakh. We will forever honor the outstanding service of our brave soldiers to the nation. My heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving families. The nation stands together in solidarity with them during this time of sorrow," expressed Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a statement.