SRINAGAR: An avalanche struck Zojila Pass on Friday, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals and injuries to five others when a passenger vehicle was buried under a mass of snow and debris.
The vehicle was traversing the treacherous mountain pass when it was hit by the sudden snow slide. Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the site, comprising local authorities and emergency responders, to undertake recovery operations and clear the affected road stretch.
The Chenab Times has learned that the injured passengers were promptly evacuated from the avalanche site and transported to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment. Their current conditions have not been immediately disclosed.
SSP Ganderbal Khalil Poswal confirmed the fatalities and the number of injured, providing details of the ongoing rescue and clearing efforts. The Zojila Pass, a critical route connecting the Kashmir Valley with the Drass and Suru Valleys, is known for its hazardous conditions, particularly during periods of heavy snowfall.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh expressed his condolences over the tragic incident. In a statement on social media platform X, he conveyed his sorrow upon learning of the seven deaths and five injuries. He assured that all necessary assistance was being extended to those affected by the avalanche.
Zojila Pass is situated at a high altitude and is part of the Srinagar-Leh National Highway. It is recognised as one of the most challenging and dangerous roadways in the region, often experiencing disruptions due to adverse weather.
The Chenab Times News Desk
