Five Indian Army soldiers including one Junior Commissioned Officer and four jawans were killed when an Army Tank met with an accident in the Daulat Beg Oldie area in Ladakh on Friday evening.

All five bodies have been recovered, defence officials said on Saturday.

The T-72 tank which the Army personnel were operating met with an accident during a river crossing exercise. The mishap took place yesterday due to a sudden increase in water levels, said defence officials.

“There were five soldiers in the tank at the time of the incident, including one Junior Commissioner Officer and four Jawans,’ the defence officials said.

Defence PRO, Leh said in a statement said on the night of June 28, while de-inducting from a military training activity, an army tank got struck in the Shyok River, near Saser Brangsa, Eastern Ladakh, due to a 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,” he said.

“Indian Army regrets the loss of five brave personnel while being operationally deployed in Eastern Ladakh. Rescue operations are underway,” the statement added.

In its official statement, the Indian Army said “General Manoj Pande #COAS and All Ranks of the #IndianArmy express heartfelt condolences on the loss of five brave soldiers who lost their lives during a training activity in #Ladakh. #IndianArmy stands firm with the bereaved families in this hour of grief.”