‘We’ll Never Forget…’: 5 Army Personnel Killed In Ladakh Flashfloods During Tank Exercise, Rajnath Pays Tributes

Five Army personnel lost their lives after a mishap occurred in the Daulat Beg Oldie area of Ladakh during a tank exercise when soldiers were attempting to cross the river.

The soldiers 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, defence officials said.

They added that the incident occurred near Mandir Morh, 148 kilometres from here, during an exercise around 1 am. The mishap occurred due to a sudden increase in water levels in the sector.

According to the official statement by the Indian Army, a military tank got stuck in the Shyok River, near Saser Brangsa, Eastern Ladakh due to a sudden increase in the water level.

“Rescue teams- were immediately rushed to the location, however, due to high current and water levels, the rescue mission could not succeed,” the statement added.

Rajnath Singh Pays Tribute To Lost Soldiers

Condoling the death of lost Army personnel, Defence Minister Rajnath said that the country will never forget their exemplary service.

“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. 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 wrote on X.

Army Chief Manoj Pandey also expressed grief over the loss of lives of security personnel during the exercise adding that the Indian Army stands firmly with the bereaved family of the lost soldiers.

“General Manoj Pande and All Ranks of the Indian Army express heartfelt condolences on the loss of five brave soldiers who lost their lives during a training activity in Ladakh. Indian Army stands firm with the bereaved families in this hour of grief,” the statement read.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed anguish over the death of five soldiers in Ladakh and said that India will always remember their dedication and sacrifice.

“The news of the martyrdom of five Indian Army soldiers in an accident during the military exercise of tank crossing the river in Ladakh is extremely sad. While paying my humble tribute to all the martyred soldiers, I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. We stand with them in this hour of grief. The country will always remember his dedication, service and sacrifice,” Gandhi wrote on X.