Srinagar-Leh highway avalanche: 7 dead, vehicles trapped at Zojila Pass

Multiple snow avalanches struck the Srinagar-Leh national highway on Friday, trapping several vehicles, officials said.

The avalanches hit the stretch between Zero Point and Minimarg in the afternoon, leaving vehicles buried under snow and debris and disrupting movement along the route.

Rescue operations have been launched, with teams working to clear the debris and locate those trapped. Officials said further details are awaited as the situation continues to be assessed.


Ladakh Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said in a post on X that he has directed the deputy commissioner and senior superintendent of police of Kargil to visit the spot and mobilise relief and rescue operations. He added that all government agencies, including disaster relief forces and the Border Roads Organisation, have been put on high alert and that he is personally monitoring the situation.


Union Minister Jitendra Singh said seven people were killed and five injured after an avalanche hit a vehicle at Zojila Pass. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and said all necessary assistance is being provided to the injured.

Authorities are monitoring the situation and coordinating rescue efforts in the affected stretch, which remains vulnerable to avalanches due to heavy snowfall and terrain conditions.

The Srinagar-Leh highway is a key route connecting Ladakh with Kashmir and is frequently impacted by weather-related disruptions during winter months.