Multiple avalanches hits Srinagar-Leh national highway, 7 killed, several injured

At least seven people were killed, and five others were injured after close to a dozen cars were buried under the snow following multiple avalanches that hit the Srinagar-Leh national highway on Friday, according to authorities.

Officials, cited by news agency PTI, said the avalanches hit the stretch between Zero Point, situated at Zojila Pass in Ladakh, and Minimarg in the afternoon. Reacting to the incident, Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, said he was personally monitoring the situation.

The officials said a rescue operation was immediately launched after the incident and efforts were on to clear the snow and rescue the trapped people.

Wire agency ANI shared a video of an avalanche near Dayal slide on Zojila



Pass.

"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 (Border Roads Organisation) have been put on high alert. I am personally monitoring the situation," he said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh said seven people had lost their lives in the avalanches.

"Saddened to learn about the tragic death of 7 persons and injuries to 5 after avalanche hit the vehicle at Zojila pass. My sincere condolences to the bereaved families. All required assistance being provided to the injured," he tweeted.