A tragic incident occurred in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar district when an Indian Army tank sank during a routine military exercise, resulting in the death of a soldier. The accident happened in the Indira Gandhi Canal, where armored vehicles were practicing canal-crossing drills, a common training activity meant to prepare troops for real battlefield conditions.
According to officials, two soldiers were inside the tank when it became stuck in the middle of the canal. As the heavy vehicle began sinking, one soldier managed to escape, but the other could not get out in time. The strong water flow and the weight of the submerged tank made the situation extremely difficult.
Immediately after the accident, police teams, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and civil defense units rushed to the site. A large rescue operation was launched, involving divers and heavy equipment. After several hours of effort, the body of the missing soldier was recovered from the canal.
Local reports suggest that the tank may have slipped due to the muddy canal bed, which often becomes unstable during winter. The Army has not yet released detailed findings but has stated that a formal inquiry is underway to determine the exact cause of the sinking.
Incidents like this raise questions about safety protocols during high-risk training exercises. While such drills are necessary to maintain combat readiness, they involve complex maneuvers that can become dangerous in challenging environments.
The soldier’s death has deeply saddened his unit and community, with many expressing condolences and calling for improved safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
