Five Indian Army Soldiers Killed in Tank Accident Near LAC in Ladakh
In a tragic incident, five Indian Army soldiers, including one Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), lost their lives after their T-72 tank was swept away by flash floods while crossing a river near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Nyoma-Chushul area of Ladakh.[1][2][3][4][5]
The incident occurred around 1 AM on June 29th near Mandir Morh, approximately 148 kilometers from Leh, during a routine military exercise.[1] The tank carrying the five soldiers sank due to a sudden increase in the water level of the Shyok River they were attempting to cross.[1][5]
Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the location, but due to the strong current and high water levels, the mission was unsuccessful, and the tank crew tragically lost their lives.[1] The bodies of all five personnel have since been recovered.[1]
The fallen soldiers have been identified as one JCO and four jawans (enlisted soldiers).[1] The Indian Army's 14 Corps, headquartered in Leh, has expressed its condolences for the loss of these brave men.[1]
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condemned the tragic incident, stating that the nation will never forget the exemplary service of these gallant soldiers and offering his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.[1]
The Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) area, where the accident took place, is a crucial strategic location for the Indian military, as it is part of the Sub-Sector North (SSN) which includes the Depsang plains.[1] The region is accessible primarily through the 255 km-long Darbuk-Shyok-DBO (DSDBO) road, and work is underway on an alternate access route via the Saser La, an ancient trade route.[1]
Over the past decade, the Indian Army has significantly bolstered its presence in Eastern Ladakh, deploying tanks, infantry vehicles, and other heavy equipment, especially since the border standoff with China began in May 2020.[1] This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the challenges and risks faced by the Indian armed forces in the harsh and unforgiving terrain of the Ladakh region.
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