5 Indian Soldiers Killed in Tank Accident During River-Crossing Exercise in Ladakh

GG News Bureau
Ladakh, 29th June. Five Indian Army soldiers, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), lost their lives during a river-crossing exercise near the Line of Actual Control in Leh’s Daulat Beg Oldi area early Saturday morning. The accident occurred when their T-72 tank was submerged in the swiftly rising waters of the Bodhi River near Mandir Morh, approximately 148 kilometers from Leh.

The soldiers were engaged in a routine exercise around 3 am when the water levels of the Bodhi River began to rise unexpectedly. Despite efforts to navigate the crossing, the tank and its crew were overwhelmed by the swelling river, leading to the tragic drowning of all five personnel. A swift rescue operation was launched, and all five bodies were recovered from the river.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed profound sorrow over the loss of the soldiers. “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,” he posted on X.