Five Indian soldiers killed in flash flood near LAC, bodies recovered

In a river crossing exercise near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, five Indian Army soldiers, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and four jawans, lost their lives. The incident took place near Mandir Morh during an exercise around 1 am.

The soldiers were aboard a T-72 tank when it was swept away by flash floods. Officials stated, "The T-72 tank with five soldiers on board sank due to flash floods while they were crossing the river."

"On 28 June, 2024 night, while de-inducting from a military training activity, an Army tank got stuck 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," a Leh-based Army PRO said in a statement.


Following the mishap, a rescue operation was immediately launched, and all five bodies were recovered, as confirmed by defense officials. "All five bodies have been recovered," they reported.

'Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families': Leaders react to deadly accident

Union defence minister Rajanath Singh expressed his condolences on the incident. "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 o social media platform X (formerly Twitter).


"Deeply distressed at the loss of lives of five Indian Army bravehearts, including a JCO (junior commissioned officer), while getting a T-72 tank across a river in Ladakh," Kharge said in a post on X.

"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," he added.


In a post on X Rahul wrote, "The news of the martyrdom of five Indian Army soldiers in an accident during the military exercise of tank crossing the river in Ladakh is extremely sad. While paying my humble tribute to all the martyred soldiers, I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families,"

"We stand with them in this hour of grief. The country will always remember his dedication, service and sacrifice," he added.


This exercise occurred in the challenging terrains of Ladakh, a region known for its difficult conditions and strategic significance. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by soldiers in such high-altitude and remote areas.