A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and four other soldiers returning from a military training exercise were reportedly swept away by a flash flood while crossing the Shyok river near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Nyoma-Chushul area of Ladakh early Saturday morning.

The soldiers, belonging to the field artillery unit, were crossing the river bed in a T-72 Tank at the time of the incident.

Due to the sudden rise in water levels, the soldiers could not move out of the tank which was stuck in the river bed and were swept away by strong currents. Rescue teams were rushed to the location but they failed to save them.

The soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty have been identified as Ris MR K Reddy, Dfr Bhupender Negi, LD Ekeidaung Teibam, Hav Subhan Khan (6255 Fd workshop) and Cfn S Nagraju.

In a post on X, Fire and Fury Corps said, "GOC Fire and Fury Corps and All Ranks salute the Bravehearts who made supreme sacrifice, in the line of duty in Ladakh on 29 Jun 24 and offer deep condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief.”

"Rescue teams rushed to the location but due to high water level and strong currents the rescue mission didn't succeed and the tank crew lost their lives. The Indian Army regrets the loss of five brave personnel while being operationally deployed in eastern Ladakh. Rescue operations are still underway," the post explained.

Earlier, on August 19, 2023, a JCO, along with eight other soldiers, lost their lives when an Army truck they were travelling in veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge near Kiari in Leh district.

Since the May 2020 stand-off between the Indian and Chinese troops several soldiers of the Indian Army have sacrificed their lives during operational duties in the region.

Even as the two sides completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military parleys, the stand-off continues in the cold desert region.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed grief over the unfortunate accident.

In a post on X, the Defence Minister said, "Deeply saddened at the loss of lives of five of our brave soldiers in an unfortunate accident while getting the tank across a river in Ladakh. We will never forget the exemplary services 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."

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said he was deeply distressed by the news of the accident and the loss of lives.