A huge avalanche occurred at Zojila Pass on Srinagar-Leh Highway on Friday afternoon. At least 7 people have died and 5 people are injured in this accident. The dead also include women, men and children.
According to police and administration, the avalanche occurred in Zojila Pass (Drass area) near Captain Turn in the afternoon. In this, at least 12 to 15 vehicles were partially or completely buried under the snow. The road was completely closed.
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Rescue operation started
After this accident, the administration has started a major rescue operation. Teams of Police, Army, Border Roads Organization (BRO), SDRF and Sonmarg-Drass district administration have reached the spot. Both people and machines are working to clear the road and rescue stranded people.
Dras Sub Divisional Magistrate Vishal Atri said that rescue work is going on from both sides. From Sonamarg side of Kashmir and Dras side of Ladakh. He said, ‘When we reached the spot, 12-15 vehicles were visible under the snow. It was difficult to get to the back of the avalanche.
Many teams present on the spot
Atri further said that more than 100 people are involved in the rescue. Police, SDRF, BRO, Army ambulance and Mega Tunnel personnel are also helping in this. Road cleaning machines have also been installed.
There was a slight delay in the rescue operation from Kashmir side due to traffic jam as the convoy was coming upwards from that side. The rescue operation started at 1 pm and has been going on for more than 5 hours. It is expected that more work will be completed in the next 3-4 hours.
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numbers may increase
Officials say that some vehicles are completely buried in snow, so the death toll may increase further. This road is a very important strategic road connecting Kashmir and Ladakh. Traffic has come to a complete standstill due to the avalanche. The administration has appealed to the people to travel in this area only after knowing the weather.
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