Ladakh Tragedy: 5 Soldiers, Including a JCO, Martyred in an Accident
In a tragic incident in Ladakh, five soldiers, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), lost their lives. The accident occurred in the Nyoma-Chushul area near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Daulat Beg Oldie due to the rising water levels of the Shyok River. The bodies of all the martyred soldiers have been recovered. The incident happened around 1 AM on the night of June 28.
The cause of the accident has now been revealed. According to reports, the soldiers were returning in a T-72 tank after a military exercise. While crossing the Shyok River at Saser Brangsa, the water level suddenly rose due to rain. Being nighttime, the soldiers were unaware of the increasing water level, which led to the tragic accident.
A T-72 tank typically accommodates three people: a commander, a gunner, and a driver. However, during the exercise, five soldiers were aboard the tank. This tank has the capability to cross rivers up to 16.4 feet deep. If the tank’s engine stops underwater, it needs to be restarted within six seconds; otherwise, water fills the engine due to low pressure.
Official Statement
Officials stated that the incident occurred around 1 AM near Mandir Mor, 148 kilometers from here, during an exercise. The Army Public Relations Officer (PRO) in Leh issued a statement saying that on the night of June 28, 2024, after a military training exercise, an Army tank got stuck in the Shyok River near Saser Brangsa in eastern Ladakh due to a sudden rise in water levels. Rescue teams reached the site, but due to the swift current and high water levels, the rescue operation was unsuccessful, resulting in the loss of the tank’s crew members. The Indian Army expresses its regret over the death of five brave soldiers during operational deployment in eastern Ladakh. The rescue operation is still ongoing.
About Daulat Beg Oldie
Daulat Beg Oldie is a traditional campsite and current military base located in the Karakoram Range in northern Ladakh. It is situated on the historical trade route between Ladakh and the Tarim Basin. It is the last campsite before the Karakoram Pass. The name is believed to be derived from Sultan Said Khan (Daulat Beg), who died at this location while returning from an invasion of Ladakh and Kashmir. The Line of Actual Control with Chinese-controlled Aksai Chin is about five miles to the east.
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