Five army soldiers were swept away by flash floods in eastern Ladakh on Saturday morning, as confirmed by defence officials. The incident occurred around 1 am near Mandir Morh, close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. A T-72 tank, manned by a junior commissioned officer (JCO) and four other ranks, sank due to a sudden surge in water levels.
The Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army released a statement saying, “On the night of 28 Jun 2024, while deinducting from a military training exercise, an army tank became trapped in the Shyok River near Saser Brangsa, Eastern Ladakh, due to a sudden rise in water level. Despite immediate rescue efforts, the strong currents and high water levels thwarted the mission, resulting in the loss of all five crew members. The Indian Army deeply regrets the loss of these brave personnel while operationally deployed in Eastern Ladakh.”
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences, stating, “Deeply saddened by the loss of five of our brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate accident while crossing a river in Ladakh. We will always remember their exemplary service to the nation. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The nation stands with them in this hour of grief,” he posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Army Chief General Manoj Pande also extended his condolences. “General Manoj Pande #COAS and all ranks of the #IndianArmy express heartfelt condolences on the loss of five brave soldiers during a training activity in #Ladakh. The #IndianArmy stands firm with the bereaved families in this hour of grief,” posted the Additional Directorate General of Public Information on X.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute, stating, “Deeply distressed at the loss of five 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 personnel who fell victim to this painful tragedy. In this hour of grief, the nation stands united in saluting the exemplary service of our valiant soldiers.”
This incident follows another tragedy last year when at least eight soldiers and a junior commissioned officer lost their lives after their truck plunged into a 60-foot gorge.
