Bodies of a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and four jawans who were feared to have been drowned were recovered, defence officials said.
The five soldiers of the Army were swept away while crossing a river in a T-72 tank near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Nyoma-Chushul area in Ladakh early Saturday, officials said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences to the bereaved families on Saturday afternoon.
“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 added.
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," the minister wrote on X.
Fire and Fury Corps, Indian Army, said in a post on X, “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.”
“The T-72 tank with five soldiers on board sank due to flash floods while they were crossing the river,” the officials said.
It further read, “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.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said he was deeply distressed by the news of the accident and the loss of lives.
"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. In this hour of grief, the nation stands together in saluting the exemplary service of our valiant soldiers," he posted on X.
Arunachal CM Pema Khandu also expressed his condolences on the incident
"Deeply disturbed to learn that a T-72 tank with five soldiers has been swept away by flash floods near the Line of Actual Control in the Nyoma-Chusul area of Ladakh. Praying for the safety and well-being of our brave soldiers," he posted on X.
A rescue operation had been launched.
(With inputs from agencies)
