Leh, Jun 29 : Five Indian Army soldiers were killed when their T-72 tank was swept away by flash floods while attempting to cross a river in Ladakh’s Daulat Beg Oldie area near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The incident occurred during a routine tank exercise around 1 AM on June 29, 2024, when the sudden rise in water levels exacerbated the situation.A rescue operation was immediately launched, but the soldiers were unable to be saved due to the high current and water levels. The tank and its five occupants, including a junior commissioned officer, were submerged and drowned.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed grief over the “unfortunate accident” and condoled the loss of the “brave Indian Army soldiers”. He stated that the nation stands firm with the bereaved families during this hour of grief.