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| Five Indian Army soldiers, including a JCO, were drowned while crossing a river in a T-72 tank near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) |
New Delhi - In a tragic incident near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, five Indian Army soldiers, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), lost their lives during a routine river-crossing exercise. The accident occurred in the early hours of Saturday in the Daulat Beg Oldi area, approximately 148 kilometers from Leh.
ladakh army tank accident - according to official sources, the soldiers were conducting a standard exercise around 3 AM when their T-72 tank attempted to cross the Bodhi River near Mandir Morh. The operation took a disastrous turn as water levels in the river suddenly surged, submerging both the tank and its crew.
Immediate rescue efforts were launched, but tragically, all five bodies were recovered from the swollen river. The incident has sent shockwaves through the military community and the nation at large.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences on social media platform X, stating, "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 emphasized the nation's gratitude for their service, adding, "We will never forget the exemplary service of our gallant soldiers to the nation."
The minister also extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, assuring them of the nation's support during this difficult time. "The nation stands firm with them during this hour of grief," he said.
This incident highlights the challenges and risks faced by Indian Army personnel stationed in the harsh and unpredictable terrain along the India-China border. The Daulat Beg Oldi area, where the accident took place, is one of the world's highest battlefields and is known for its extreme weather conditions and difficult topography.
The loss of these five soldiers serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel in service to their country, even during routine exercises and operations. As the nation mourns, questions may arise about safety protocols and measures in place for such exercises, especially in areas with rapidly changing environmental conditions.
The Indian Army has not yet released further details about the incident or the identities of the deceased soldiers, pending notification of their families. An investigation into the circumstances leading to this tragic accident is likely to be conducted to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the country comes to terms with this loss, the incident underscores the importance of continued vigilance and preparedness in safeguarding India's borders, while also highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures to protect the lives of those who serve on the frontlines.
