In a tragic incident near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Leh’s Daulat Beg Oldi area, five soldiers of the Indian Army lost their lives early Saturday morning when their tank met with a fatal accident during a river-crossing exercise.
The mishap occurred around 1 am during a routine exercise near Mandir Morh, approximately 148 kilometers from Leh. According to official sources, the soldiers were attempting to cross the Bodhi River on their T-72 tank when water levels unexpectedly rose. This sudden surge resulted in the tank and its occupants being swept away by the swelling river.
Among the deceased is a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), whose identity has not been disclosed yet. A swift rescue operation was launched immediately after the accident was reported, and all five bodies were recovered from the river.
Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers. In a statement, he acknowledged their brave service to the nation, emphasizing the nation’s solidarity with the bereaved families during this difficult time.
“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,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conveyed.
The incident underscores the challenges and risks involved in military operations near the high-altitude and rugged terrain of the India-China border region, where soldiers often conduct exercises to maintain readiness and operational preparedness.
As investigations into the accident continue, the Indian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its personnel while carrying out critical duties along the border.
Sources By Agencies
