Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his sorrow on Saturday over the tragic loss of five Indian Army soldiers in an accident involving a tank crossing a river in Ladakh on Friday. Singh shared his condolences on X, stating, “Deeply saddened at the loss of lives of five of our brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate accident while getting across a river in Ladakh in a tank. 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.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed his deep distress over the incident. He posted, “Deeply distressed at the loss of lives of 5 Indian Army bravehearts, including a JCO, while getting a T-72 tank across a river in Ladakh. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the Army personnel who fell victim to this painful tragedy. In this hour of grief, the nation stands together in saluting the exemplary service of our valiant soldiers.”
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu echoed these sentiments, expressing his condolences on X: “Deeply disturbed to learn that a T-72 tank with five soldiers has been swept away by flash floods near the Line of Actual Control in the Nyoma-Chusul area of Ladakh. Praying for the safety and well-being of our brave soldiers.”
On Friday evening, five Indian Army soldiers, including one Junior Commissioned Officer and four jawans, tragically lost their lives when an Army tank met with an accident in the Daulat Beg Oldie area of Ladakh. Defence officials confirmed on Saturday that all five bodies had been recovered. The T-72 tank was involved in a river crossing exercise when the mishap occurred due to a sudden increase in water levels.
“There were five soldiers in the tank at the time of the incident, including one Junior Commissioned Officer and four jawans. One person has been located while the search for others is still going on,” defence officials initially reported. Further details are awaited.