Soldiers were on a training mission in Ladakh (image)
New Delhi:
Five soldiers were killed when an Indian Army tank crashed during a river crossing training exercise near the Line of Control in Leh’s Daulat Beg Oldi area early on Saturday, officials said.
A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) was among the five killed in the accident.
The soldiers were conducting a routine training exercise at around 3 am today. Official sources said that while they were crossing the Bodhi river near Mandir Mor, 148 km from Leh, in a T-72 tank, the water level suddenly started rising. Soon, the tank and the soldiers were submerged in the swollen river.
Rescue efforts were launched immediately and all five bodies were recovered.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the nation in mourning the dead.
Deeply saddened by the loss of five brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate accident while driving a tank while crossing a river in Ladakh.
We will never forget the exemplary service rendered by our brave soldiers for our nation and our heartfelt condolences go to their families.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 29, 2024
“Deeply saddened by the loss of five brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate accident while crossing a river in Ladakh region. We will never forget the exemplary service rendered by our brave soldiers for the nation. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The nation is with them at this time of grief,” he posted on X.
