LG, CM take stock; express grief
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Mar 27: Seven people were killed and five others injured after multiple avalanches hit the Srinagar-Leh national highway today.
An official said that the avalanches hit the stretch between Zero Point and Minimarg in the afternoon, leaving several vehicles trapped under it.
The official said a rescue operation was immediately launched after the incident and five dead bodies were recovered and several others were rescued in injured condition.
Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal, Khalil Poswal, told reporters that at Pathri Morh between Zero Point and Minimarg multiple avalanches struck Srinagar-Leh National Highway this afternoon. “Three vehicles were buried under the avalanche and rescuers pulled seven dead bodies and rescued several others,” he said.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
The SSP said that Jammu and Kashmir Police, army, SDRF and Ladakh Police conducted the rescue operation. He added that the injured have been referred to Kargil hospital for treatment.
Click here to watch video
A doctor at the Kargil District Hospital told Excelsior that the injured are critical and have been kept in Intensive Care.
The dead have been identified as Asadullah son of Sajjad Hussain of Nilgrah, Mohamad Ali son of Mohammad Mussa of Sankoo, Toiba Bano wife of Altaf Hussain of Sangrah, Shahar Banoo wife of Sajjad Hussain of Youljok and Mohammad Yusuf son of Ghulam Ali of Tangol.
The injured have been identified as Mohammad Bakir son of Mohsin Ali of Youljok, Adiba Bano daughter of Gulam Qadir of Leh, Farida Bano daughter of Gulam Qadir of Leh, Danish Majid son of Abdul Majid of Patan, Sajida Bano wife of Mohammad Mohsin of Skambo and Hakeema Khatoon daughter of Mohammad Hassan of Skambo. Two of the injured later succumbed to injuries taking the death toll to seven.
The vehicles that came under the avalanche were on their way towards Kargil from Srinagar.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha spoke to the senior officials and took stock of the rescue and relief operations following the tragic avalanche at Zojila, Ganderbal.
The LG has extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in the unfortunate incident and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He has directed the officials to ensure the safety of the stranded persons and extend all possible assistance to those affected.
“Deeply pained by the loss of precious lives due to the tragic avalanche at Zojila. My heart goes out to the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Sinha said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah 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.
In a post on X, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh confirmed the death of seven people in the incident. “Saddened to learn about the tragic death of 7 persons and injuries to 5 after an avalanche hit the vehicle at Zojila pass. My sincere condolences to the bereaved families,” Singh posted on X. He said all required assistance is being provided to the injured.
Lieutenant Governor, UT of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, said on X he heard the unfortunate news of an avalanche at Zojila.
“I have directed the DC and SSP of Kargil to visit the spot immediately and mobilise relief and rescue operations,” he said, adding that all government agencies including disaster relief forces and BRO have been put on high alert. “I am personally monitoring the situation,” the LG said.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
