Vehicles get stuck under snow following an avalanche near Dayal Slide on NH-1, Zojila Pass, in Kargil on March 27, 2026. | Photo credit: ANI
Five people were killed and five injured after an avalanche hit the high-altitude Zojila Pass, which connects the Kashmir Valley with Ladakh, on Friday.
Two more people are trapped in the snow.
Officials said the avalanche, apparently triggered by bright sunlight, hit the Srinagar-Leh state highway near Zero Point in Zojila Pass in the afternoon when a train of passenger vehicles was crossing the snow-laden road. Eyewitnesses reported that a huge amount of snow fell at an altitude of 3,580 meters and buried several vehicles.
The Himalayan Tragedy: On Avalanches in the Himalayan States
Initial reports indicated that one vehicle was thrown from the road when the avalanche hit, and a number of vehicles were trapped in the snow. However, casualties were reported from three to four vehicles that got under the snow.
“I have directed the Deputy Commissioner and Inspector General of Police, Kargil, to immediately visit the site and mobilize relief and rescue operations. All government agencies, including the Disaster Relief Force and the Border Road Organisation, have been put on high alert,” Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said. He said he was “personally monitoring the situation”. The highway was closed to traffic.
Seven people were feared dead and many vehicles were stranded after an avalanche hit the high-altitude Zojila pass that connects the Kashmir Valley to Ladakh on Friday.
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Union Minister Jitendra Singh said he was saddened by the incident. “My condolences to the bereaved families. All necessary assistance is being provided to the injured,” Mr Singh said.
The Chief Minister of J&K also expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of life. He expressed his sincere condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Khalil Ahmad Poswal, Superintendent of Police, Ganderbal, said that the rescue operation at the site is continuing. “He fears two more people are trapped,” he said.
Published – 27 March 2026 21:32 IST
