Tank accident near LAC claims five soldiers’ lives in Leh

SRINAGAR — Five soldiers were killed after their tank was swept away due to a sudden increase in the water level in Shyok River during a military training activity in Eastern Ladakh last night, the Army said on Saturday.

In a post on X, the Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps, as per the news agency KNO said that the incident happened last night during a military training activity.

It said that an army tank was struck in the Shyok River near the Saser Barngsa area of Eastern Ladakh due to a sudden increase in the water level. The army said that rescue teams rushed to the location, however, due to high current and water levels, the rescue 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,” it said.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoled the loss of lives in the incident, stating that the nation stands firm with them during this hour of grief. “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 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 said.