Leh:: At least seven people were killed and five others injured on Friday after a massive avalanche struck the Srinagar–Leh highway near Zojila Pass, trapping several vehicles under snow on the Ladakh side.
The snow slide hit a stretch of the highway passing through the high-altitude Zojila Pass, leading to a complete blockage of the route and triggering large-scale rescue and clearance operations.
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena said the administration is closely monitoring the situation and has directed the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police of Kargil to rush to the spot and mobilise immediate rescue efforts. He added that all agencies, including disaster response teams and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), have been placed on high alert.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also reviewed the situation, speaking to senior officials to take stock of ongoing rescue and relief operations.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives, he said he was “deeply pained” by the tragedy and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed officials to ensure the safety of stranded persons and provide all possible assistance to those affected.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed the casualties, expressing sorrow over the deaths and assuring that necessary assistance is being provided to the injured.
Rescue teams from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), police and other agencies are engaged in clearing snow debris and searching for any survivors feared trapped under the avalanche.
The Srinagar–Leh highway (NH-1), a 434-km-long strategic route connecting Kashmir to Ladakh, frequently faces disruptions during winter due to heavy snowfall and hazardous terrain, particularly at Zojila Pass, which lies at an altitude of around 11,575 feet.
To address recurring closures, work is underway on the ambitious Zojila Tunnel project. The 14.2-km-long tunnel, once completed, will provide all-weather connectivity between Ladakh and the rest of the country and is expected to be among the longest tunnels in Asia.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in an avalanche at Zojila Pass today.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
