5 soldiers die in tank accident close to LAC in Ladakh

Srinagar: Five soldiers died after an Army tank met with an accident in Leh close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) last night, the Army said on Saturday.The mishap took place last night in Shyok River, near Saser Brangsa, Eastern Ladakh during a de induction exercise, it said.

Spokesman of the Fire and Fury Corps in Leh said that on June 28 night, while deinducting from a military training activity, an army tank got struck in the Shyok River 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," the spokesman said, adding rescue operations were underway.

The identities of the slain soldiers could not be ascertained immediately.Sources said the tank belonged to the 52 Armoured Regiment of the 3 Division and was coming to Tangste in the Leh district.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was deeply saddened at the loss of lives.“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 posted on X.(UNI)