Seven killed, several injured as avalanche hits vehicles at Zojila Pass

Seven people were reportedly killed and eight injured as at least 25 Kargil-bound vehicles were trapped under debris following an avalanche at the Zojila Pass in Ladakh on Friday. Among the killed were a child and a woman.

Reports said that the condition of four of the injured was serious. The injured have been shifted to hospitals at Drass and Sonamarg.

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However, official confirmation about the casualties was awaited.

These vehicles were on their way towards Kargil when a massive avalanche hit them near the Zojila Pass.

SDRF Kashmir said that an avalanche struck Zojila Pass, leaving several vehicles stranded along the Gumri-Zojila axis. Teams from SDRF Gund, Ganderbal, along with J&K Police and CRPF, are actively engaged in evacuating the stranded vehicles.

Lt Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena is personally monitoring the situation.

He wrote on X: “Tragic news coming from ZojiLa pass. Dozens of vehicles bound for Kargil are trapped under snow following an avalanche. Rescue operations are underway by @BROindia & District Administration Kargil.”

LG 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.”