New Delhi, June 29 (Udaipur Kiran): Five Indian Army soldiers were killed when their T-72 tank got stuck in the Shyok River and was swept away by the strong current while crossing the river near Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) in Ladakh’s Nyoma-Chushul sector, close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, at around 1 AM on Friday night. The soldiers were returning from a military exercise. The bodies of all the soldiers, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), were recovered on Saturday. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed grief over the loss of the five brave soldiers.
Soldiers were returning from a military exercise:
The soldiers were returning from a military exercise in their T-72 tank late Friday night. The tank was carrying Risaldar MR K Reddy, Havildar Bhupendra Negi, Lance Havildar Akdum Tayyabam, Havildar A Khan, and Nagraj P. The military tank was crossing the Shyok River in Sasar Brangsa, Eastern Ladakh, when the water level suddenly rose, and all the soldiers, along with the tank, were swept away into the river.
Rescue operation launched:
According to Leh-based Fire and Fury 14 Corps, the accident occurred near Mandir Mod, 148 kilometers from Chushul on the LAC. The JCO and the four soldiers went missing due to the sudden rise in the water level. Rescue teams reached the spot on Saturday after receiving information and launched a rescue operation. However, the soldiers could not be rescued due to the strong current and water level in the river. The bodies of all the five soldiers have been recovered. They have been identified as Risaldar MR K Reddy, Havildar Bhupendra Negi, Lance Havildar Akdum Tayyabam, Havildar A Khan, and Nagraj P.
Defense Minister expresses grief:
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed grief over the accident. He said, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of five brave soldiers of the Indian Army in an unfortunate accident while crossing a river in Ladakh. We will never forget the exemplary service of our valiant soldiers to the nation. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The entire nation stands with them in this hour of grief.” Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also expressed condolences. He said, “The news of the martyrdom of five Indian Army soldiers in an accident during a military exercise of crossing a tank across a river in Ladakh is saddening. We all stand with the families of the martyred jawans in this hour of grief.”
Why is T-72 considered invincible for the Indian Army?
Usually, there is a commander, a gunner, and a driver on a T-72 tank. This tank weighs around 45 tons and generates 780 horsepower. It is designed to withstand nuclear, biological, and chemical attacks. The tank has a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun that fires 300 rounds at once. The tank weighs around 45 tons and generates 780 horsepower. It also has full explosive reactive armor.
However, there were 5 soldiers on it at the time of the accident.
This tank has the capability to cross rivers up to 5 meters (16.4 feet) deep. It crosses the river with the help of a small diameter snorkel. If the tank’s engine stops underwater, it is necessary to start it within 6 seconds. Otherwise, water enters the engine due to low pressure. For emergencies, all crew members on board are given rebreathers. It is a type of self-contained breathing apparatus underwater, which has provisions for both primary and emergency gas supply.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
