Automobiles caught beneath snow after an avalanche close to Dayal Slide on NH-1, Zojila Go, in Kargil on March 27, 2026.
| Photograph Credit score: ANI
5 individuals had been killed and 5 injured after an avalanche hit the high-altitude Zojila Go, which connects the Kashmir Valley with Ladakh, on Friday.
Two extra individuals are feared trapped within the snow.
Officers stated the avalanche, apparently triggered by vibrant daylight, hit the Srinagar-Leh nationwide freeway close to Zero Level on the Zojila Go within the afternoon, when a practice of passenger automobiles was negotiating the snow-laden highway. Eyewitnesses stated an enormous quantity of snow got here crashing down and buried a number of automobiles at an altitude of three,580 metres.
Himalayan tragedy: On avalanches within the Himalayan States
Preliminary studies steered that one automobile was thrown off the highway within the affect of the avalanche and various automobiles had been left stranded within the snow. Nonetheless, the casualties had been reported from three to 4 automobiles that went beneath snow.
“I’ve directed the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police of Kargil to go to the spot instantly and mobilise reduction and rescue operations. All authorities companies, together with catastrophe reduction forces and the Border Highway Organisation, have been placed on excessive alert,” stated Ladakh Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. He stated he was “personally monitoring the state of affairs.” The freeway has been closed for site visitors.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated he was saddened by the incident. “My honest condolences to the bereaved households. All required help being offered to the injured,” Mr. Singh stated.
J&Okay Chief Minister additionally expressed deep sorrow over the tragic lack of lives. He prolonged heartfelt condolences to the bereaved households and prayed for the speedy restoration of the injured.
Khalil Ahmad Poswal, Senior Superintendent of Police, Ganderbal, stated rescue operation was persevering with on the website. “Two extra individuals are feared trapped,” he stated.
Printed – March 27, 2026 09:32 pm IST
