JCO Among 5 Army Soldiers Swept Away in Flash Floods During Tank Exercise in Ladakh

Five soldiers from the Indian Army, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), tragically drowned when their T-72 tank was caught in flash floods in the Shyok River near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Nyoma-Chushul area of Ladakh. The incident happened early on June 29, according to officials.

The mishap took place near Mandir Morh, which is 148 kilometers from Leh, around 1 a.m. during a military exercise, officials reported.

The T-72 tank, carrying five soldiers, sank due to the sudden rise in water levels while they were crossing the river, officials explained.

Defence officials confirmed that the bodies of the five personnel, including one JCO and four jawans, have been recovered.

The Army’s 14 Corps, based in Leh, expressed their condolences for the loss of the five soldiers. “On the night of June 28, 2024, while withdrawing from a military training activity, an army tank got stuck in the Shyok River near Saser Brangsa, Eastern Ladakh, due to a sudden increase in water levels. Rescue teams were dispatched immediately, but due to the strong current and high water levels, the rescue mission was unsuccessful, and the tank crew lost their lives. The Indian Army regrets the loss of five brave personnel while they were operationally deployed in eastern Ladakh. Rescue operations are ongoing,” they stated.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his sorrow over the tragic accident. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives of five of our brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate accident while moving the tank across a river in Ladakh,” he posted on X.

“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,” he added.

Significance of Daulat Beg Oldie

The important Sub-Sector North (SSN) includes the Depsang plains and Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO). Currently, the airfield at DBO and the surrounding area are accessible only by the 255 km-long Darbuk-Shyok-DBO (DSDBO) road. Work is also in advanced stages on an alternate route via Saser La, an ancient trade path. DBO is one of the designated Border Personnel Meeting points between India and China to resolve incidents along the LAC.

Over the past decade, India has deployed tanks in Eastern Ladakh, with significant deployment of tanks, infantry vehicles, and other heavy equipment since the standoff with China began in Eastern Ladakh in May 2020.

(With inputs from PTI)

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.