The T-72 tank turned turtle near Mandir Morh at about 3 am while it was coming down.
Representational Image.
A junior commissioned officer (JCO) was among five Army personnel killed late Friday night when a T-72 tank was swept away in the Shyok river near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the Eastern Ladakh.
Confirming the mishap, a defence spokesperson said in a statement; “On 28 June night, while deinducting from a military training activity, an army tank got struck in the Shyok River, near Saser Brangsa, Eastern Ladakh due to sudden increase in the water level. Rescue teams rushed to the location, however, due to high current and water levels, the rescue mission didn’t succeed and the tank crew lost their lives. Indian Army regrets loss of five brave personnel while being operationally deployed in Eastern Ladakh. Rescue operations are underway”, he added.
Army sources said that the tank belonged to the 52 Armoured Regiment.
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The tank was moving towards Tangste in the Leh district and the mishap occured some distance away from the Galwan valley where clashes between the Indian Army and Chinese troops took place in 2022.
The T-72 tank turned turtle in the river near Mandir Morh at about 3 am and the strong current of water swept it away. Bodies of the killed soldiers have been recovered, reports said.
It is believed that the mishap occured as it was pitch dark in the area and the tank went out of control in the fast flowing river.
The killed JCO has been identified as MRK Reddy. The four jawans have been identified as: Bhupender Negi, Akdum Taibam, Havaldar A Khan (6255 Fd work shop) and Nagraj P.
Reports said that the regiment was moving to Secunderabad in Telengana.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed grief over the mishap. He wrote on X; “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”.
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