Onlykashmir.in News Desk
At least seven people were killed and five others injured in a massive avalanche at Zojila Pass on Friday. The accident took place on the Srinagar-Leh highway on the Ladakh side, where several vehicles were buried under the snow.
Following the incident, the Srinagar-Leh National Highway NH-1 has been completely closed and a large-scale rescue and clean-up operation is underway.
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Brigadier (retd) BD Mishra , while monitoring the situation, has directed the Kargil district authorities to immediately reach the spot and intensify rescue operations.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, while confirming the deaths, expressed condolences to the affected families and assured of providing all possible medical assistance to the injured.
Border Roads Organization and police teams are busy removing debris and searching for people who may be trapped.
This 434-km-long highway, located at an altitude of about 11,575 feet, provides the main land link between Srinagar and Leh and is often closed in winter due to heavy snowfall.
It should be remembered that work is underway on the Zojila Tunnel to permanently resolve this issue, after its completion, Ladakh will have safe land connectivity throughout the year.
