Srinagar, March 27 : At least seven persons were killed and five others injured after an avalanche struck a passenger vehicle at Zojila Pass on Friday, officials said.
A senior official said that the vehicle came under a massive snow slide, leading to on-the-spot deaths of seven occupants, while five others sustained injuries.
Soon after the incident, rescue teams rushed to the site and launched an operation to evacuate the injured and retrieve the bodies from the debris. The injured have been shifted to nearby medical facilities for treatment, the official said.
Lieutenant Governor, UT of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, said on X he heard the unfortunate news of an avalanche at Zojila.
“I have directed the DC and SSP of Kargil to visit the spot immediately and mobilise relief and rescue operations,” he said, adding that all government agencies including disaster relief forces and BRO have been put on high alert.
“I am personally monitoring the situation,” the LG Ladakh said.
Authorities added that rescue and clearance operations are still underway, while further details are awaited.
Meanwhile, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha spoke to the senior officials and took stock of the rescue and relief operations following the tragic avalanche at Zojila, Ganderbal.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in the unfortunate incident and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
He has directed the officials to ensure the safety of the stranded persons and extend all possible assistance to those affected.
“Deeply pained by the loss of precious lives due to the tragic avalanche at Zojila. My heart goes out to the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the Lieutenant Governor said.