In a tragic incident, at least five army personnel, including one JCO and four jawans, lost their lives after they were swept away while crossing a river inbound T-72 tank near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The defence officials, speaking of the development said, the incident occurred during a tank exercise at Daulat Beg Oldie in Ladakh when Tank T72 was swept away while crossing the Shyok River. “The tank got submerged due to an increase in water levels in the river,” the officials added.
Meanwhile, the bodies of all five army personnel have been recovered.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays condolences
In the wake of the tragic incident, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his heartfelt condolences. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Defence Minister wrote, “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 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 added.
(This is a developing story. More details will be added)
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