A massive avalanche struck the Srinagar-Leh highway at Zoji La Pass on Friday, leaving at least five people without life and injuring several others, officials said.
The avalanche hit near the Captain-turn area in Drass, burying multiple vehicles under heavy snow and blocking the strategic highway that connects Srinagar with Leh.
Authorities said around 12 to 15 vehicles were either partially or completely buried when the avalanche occurred in the afternoon. Rescue operations were immediately launched involving police, the army, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), SDRF teams, and local administration from both Sonamarg and Drass.
According to Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vishal Atri, five people have been confirmed to have lost their lives in the incident, including three men, a woman, and a child. However, Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that the number could be higher, indicating seven fatalities and several injuries.
Officials fear the number of casualties may rise as some vehicles remain fully buried under snow.
Rescue efforts are being carried out from both sides of the highway. Teams from the Sonamarg side in Kashmir and the Drass side in Ladakh are working simultaneously, using heavy machinery and manpower to clear snow and search for trapped individuals.
More than 100 personnel, along with ambulances and snow clearance equipment, have been deployed. However, operations from the Kashmir side faced delays due to traffic congestion caused by convoy movement.
The avalanche has affected a large stretch of the highway, and restoration work is ongoing alongside rescue operations.
Expressing grief over the incident, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister’s Office conveyed condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as rescue and clearance operations remain underway.
