Leh, March 27: A massive avalanche struck the Srinagar-Leh highway at Zoji La in Ladakh on Friday, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals and injuring several others. The avalanche buried multiple vehicles and led to the closure of the highway.
Authorities have initiated a large-scale rescue operation involving the district administrations of Sonamarg and Dras, police, army, Border Roads Organisation, and SDRF. The avalanche occurred in the afternoon, partially or completely burying around 15 vehicles under snow. Rescue teams, comprising numerous personnel and machinery, are currently working to clear the road and check for any individuals trapped in the snow.
Death Toll May Rise
Police have confirmed that the avalanche targeted vehicles on the Captain-Turn highway at the Dras Zoji La pass. Dras SDM Vishal Atri stated that five fatalities have been confirmed, including three men, one woman, and one child. Officials anticipate that the death toll may increase as some vehicles are completely buried in snow. Atri further mentioned that rescue operations are ongoing from both sides of the highway, with efforts being made from the Sonamarg side in Kashmir and the Dras side in Ladakh. A significant portion of the highway has been affected by the avalanche, with approximately 15 vehicles still trapped under the snow.
Regarding the rescue operation, the SDM noted that over 100 personnel, including police, SDRF, BRO, and army ambulances, are involved, along with snow-clearing machines. He added that assistance has also been sought from the personnel of the Megha Tunnel. The rescue operation has faced delays due to traffic jams on the Kashmir side. The operation has been ongoing for five hours since 1 PM and is expected to continue for another three to four hours.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.