At least seven people lost their lives, and five others were injured after multiple avalanches struck the Srinagar–Leh National Highway, burying several vehicles under snow and triggering a large-scale emergency response.
According to officials, the avalanches hit the stretch between Zero Point at Zojila Pass and Minimarg during the afternoon, trapping close to a dozen cars. Rescue teams were immediately deployed to the site, working to clear heavy snow and locate those trapped beneath it.
Reacting to the incident, Vinai Kumar Saxena said he was personally monitoring the situation and had directed district authorities and police officials in Kargil to reach the site and coordinate relief efforts. Multiple agencies, including disaster response teams and the Border Roads Organisation, were placed on high alert to manage the crisis.
Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh confirmed the casualties and expressed condolences to the families of the victims, adding that necessary assistance was being provided to those injured.
The avalanches have also forced the temporary closure of National Highway 1, a critical route connecting Srinagar and Leh, as authorities continue rescue and clearance operations.
