Tragic Avalanche on Srinagar-Leh Highway Claims Seven Lives

A devastating avalanche on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway has led to the loss of seven lives, including a child, and left five others injured. The incident occurred during heavy snowfall, burying several vehicles under debris. Rescue operations are currently underway, with multiple agencies involved in the efforts to clear the area and assist the injured. Union Minister Jitendra Singh and local officials have expressed their condolences and are monitoring the situation closely. Read on for more details about this tragic event and ongoing rescue efforts.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 28, 2026, 11:06 IST

Avalanche Incident on National Highway

On Friday, a series of avalanches struck the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including a child and two women, while five others sustained injuries, as reported by officials. The incidents occurred in the area between 'Zero Point' and the Zojila Pass during the afternoon, burying several vehicles under debris.

Heavy snowfall in the mountainous region caused numerous vehicles to become trapped in the snow. Following the incident, a rescue operation was promptly initiated. Efforts to clear the snow and rescue those trapped are ongoing. Among the deceased is a 10-year-old child along with two women.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed the fatalities in a post on social media, expressing his deep sorrow over the tragic loss of seven lives and the injuries to five others due to the avalanche at Zojila Pass. He extended his condolences to the grieving families and assured that the injured are receiving all possible assistance.

Khalid Poswal, Senior Superintendent of Police in Ganderbal, reported that three vehicles were caught in the avalanche. He stated that the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, CRPF, Ladakh Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and civil administration have been deployed to ensure the safe extraction of all individuals and to transport the injured for medical treatment. The SSP mentioned that five bodies have been recovered so far, with two more expected to be found.

According to officials, the rescue operation is still in progress, focusing on debris removal and restoring traffic on the highway. Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has been in contact with senior officials to assess the rescue and relief efforts. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed profound sorrow over the loss of life and property in this incident, offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the swift recovery of the injured. Vinay Kumar Saxena, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, stated that he is personally monitoring the situation.