7 Dead, Several Injured as Avalanche Hits Vehicles Near Zoji La Pass

At least seven people lost their lives and five others were injured after an avalanche struck several vehicles at Zoji La Pass on Friday, along the highway connecting Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

 

 

According to reports, the vehicles were travelling from Srinagar to Kargil when the avalanche struck at around 3 pm. Soon after the incident, police and rescue teams rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. JCB machines were used to clear the heavy snow and reach the trapped passengers.

 

 

Rescue teams managed to pull out five injured persons, who were shifted for treatment. They also recovered seven bodies from the snow. Officials said that all the deceased were residents of Kargil district in Ladakh.

 

 

“Heard the unfortunate news of an avalanche at Zoji La. I have directed the DC & SSP of Kargil to visit the spot immediately and mobilise relief and rescue operations. All government agencies including disaster relief forces and BRO have been put on high alert. I am personally monitoring the situation.; LG Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena said in a post on X.