Srinagar: The Srinagar-Leh National Highway remained closed on Saturday after a deadly avalanche struck the Zojila Pass, killing seven people and trapping several vehicles under snow.
Officials said the avalanche hit the high-altitude stretch on Friday, claiming multiple lives, including that of a ten-year-old child. The incident led to the immediate suspension of traffic on the strategic highway connecting Kashmir with Ladakh.
Authorities confirmed that snow clearance operations are currently underway, and the highway will be reopened only after debris is completely removed and the route is declared safe for movement.
Rescue efforts have been intensified, with teams from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, CRPF, Ladakh Police, SDRF and civil administration jointly conducting search operations to locate missing persons.
The avalanche has once again highlighted the vulnerability of the Srinagar-Leh route, particularly at Zojila Pass, which is prone to heavy snowfall and avalanches during this time of the year.
