A routine military training exercise turned tragic in Rajasthan on Tuesday morning when an Indian Army tank sank in the Indira Gandhi Canal, leading to the death of one soldier. The incident occurred in the Sriganganagar district during a drill focused on crossing water bodies with armoured vehicles.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The accident took place during a planned exercise where an Army unit was practising canal-crossing manoeuvres with its tanks. According to Sriganganagar Superintendent of Police Amrita Duhan, a tank was lowered into the Indira Gandhi Canal as part of the drill. As it reached the mid-point of the canal, the armoured vehicle began to sink rapidly.
While two of the jawans inside the tank managed to escape the sinking vehicle, one soldier could not get out in time. He was tragically trapped inside the tank and drowned. The police confirmed that the Army has not yet released the identity of the deceased jawan or an official statement on the exact circumstances that led to the sinking.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Immediate efforts were launched to rescue the trapped soldier. Army personnel swiftly deployed divers and used specialised equipment in an attempt to reach him. Senior Army officers rushed to the scene to coordinate the complex operation.
A police team, led by the in-charge of the Rajiyasar police station, also arrived at the site in the afternoon to assist. Despite these urgent and concerted efforts, which continued into the late evening, the jawan could not be saved. The soldier's body was later recovered and transported to the Suratgarh Military Hospital for further formalities.
Investigation and Aftermath
The Army is expected to issue a formal report on the incident on Wednesday. This report will likely detail the sequence of events and the cause of the tank's malfunction or sinking. Such training exercises are critical for the armed forces, especially in terrains like Rajasthan, but this incident underscores the inherent risks involved in live military drills.
The loss highlights the dangers faced by soldiers not only in conflict but also during rigorous training meant to ensure operational readiness. The nation awaits official word from the Army as investigations into this fatal training accident proceed.
