Srinagar, Mar 27 (KNS): At least seven persons were killed, five others injured after an avalanche struck a passenger vehicle at Zojila Pass on Friday, officials said.
Official sources told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) the vehicle was hit by a massive snow slide, resulting in the on-the-spot deaths of seven occupants. Five others sustained injuries in the incident.
Rescue teams, including personnel from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the police, rushed to the site soon after the avalanche. An operation was launched to evacuate the injured and retrieve the bodies from the debris, officials added. The injured have been shifted to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said on X that he had directed the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police of Kargil to visit the spot 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,” he said.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed the deaths on X. “Saddened to learn about the tragic death of 7 persons and injuries to 5 after an avalanche hit the vehicle at Zojila pass. My sincere condolences to the bereaved families. All required assistance is being provided to the injured,” he wrote.
Officials said the BRO and police teams were working to clear the debris and locate anyone who may still be trapped. (KNS)
