Zojila Pass avalanche tragedy: 5 killed, 5 injured; Rescue operation concludes - What happened?

Zojila Pass avalanche tragedy: Some vehicles reportedly came under a sudden massive snow slide, leading to the death of seven people, while five others sustained injuries, and one is missing. The injured have been shifted to nearby medical facilities for treatment. 

Zojila Pass avalanche tragedy: Five people lost their lives, and five others were injured after a massive avalanche struck the Srinagar-Leh highway near Zojila Pass in the Ladakh region, reportedly trapping several vehicles under snow.

The rescue operation has now been concluded. Among the five injured, four have been shifted to Drass hospital, while one critically injured individual has been shifted to Kargil hospital.

All victims have been identified. The five deceased were from Kargil district, while all five injured individuals belong to Leh district.

Meanwhile, in a post on X, the office of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that he expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended his heartfelt condolences.

"Chief Minister 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," the post read. 

Earlier, an official had informed that some vehicles came under a sudden massive snow slide, leading to the deaths of several individuals, while others sustained injuries.

Headed by SSP Ganderbal Khalil Poswal, Jammu Kashmir police, along with teams from SDRF, BRO, and Army, launched a swift rescue operation at the site. 

Ladakh LG VK Saxena, in a post on X, said he had directed the DC and SSP of Kargil to visit the spot and mobilise relief and rescue operations. He added that he is closely monitoring the situation.

"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 have been put on high alert. I am personally monitoring the situation," the post read. 

According to an IANS report, at present, the Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH-1, formerly NH-1D) is a critical 434-km-long two-lane road connecting Srinagar to Leh. Known for its high-altitude and dramatic scenery, the highway passes through the 11,575-ft-high Zojila Pass.

(with IANS inputs)