Toddler among 5 killed in avalanche at Zojila pass, several vehicles trapped
At least seven people were injured in the avalanche at the critical high mountain pass that connects the Kashmir and Ladakh regions
At least five people were killed and seven were injured when an avalanche hit the Zojila pass on Friday evening.
Ladakh DGP Mukesh Singh said the deceased included two women, a senior citizen and a toddler.
The critical high mountain pass connects the Kashmir and Ladakh regions. Several vehicles moving from Sonmarg in the Kashmir Valley towards Kargil, just across Zojila, are feared trapped under the snow. Rescue operations are underway.
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena said on X that he has directed the Deputy Commissioner and SSP of Kargil to “visit the spot immediately and mobilise relief and rescue operations”.
He added that all government agencies, including disaster relief forces and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), have been put on high alert and that he is personally monitoring the situation.
In a social media post after preliminary reports that seven people had died, Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh said, “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. All required assistance being provided to the injured.”
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the avalanche and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa offered his condolences. In a post on X, Hanifa said, “Heartbroken by the tragic avalanche at Zojila Pass that has claimed innocent lives. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families; no words can truly ease their pain. This is not just a tragedy, but a stark reminder of the harsh and dangerous realities our people are forced to endure while travelling on this critical route.”
Zojila is the lifeline of Ladakh, but repeated incidents like this expose serious gaps in safety preparedness, he said, urging authorities “to act with urgency” and that rescue and clearance operations must be carried out “on a war footing, and immediate relief and support must reach the affected families without any delay”. But he also called for preventive measures, saying: “At the same time, there is an urgent need to implement a fixed and scientifically planned traffic schedule, preferably during early morning hours when avalanche risks are significantly lower.”
He added: “Equally important, we must all act responsibly. Once safety timings are fixed, strict adherence by the public is essential no journey is worth risking a life. Human life must always come above everything else. The lives of our people cannot be left at the mercy of unpredictable conditions. We stand united in grief, and we will continue to raise our voice until safe, reliable, and all-weather connectivity for Ladakh becomes a reality.”
Those confirmed dead in the avalanche were identified as Mohd Ali (72), Mohd Yousef (38), Toiba Banoo (36), Shahar Banoo (32), and Assadullah (10 months).
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At least five people were killed and seven were injured when an avalanche hit the Zojila pass on Friday evening.
Ladakh DGP Mukesh Singh said the deceased included two women, a senior citizen and a toddler.
The critical high mountain pass connects the Kashmir and Ladakh regions. Several vehicles moving from Sonmarg in the Kashmir Valley towards Kargil, just across Zojila, are feared trapped under the snow. Rescue operations are underway.
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena said on X that he has directed the Deputy Commissioner and SSP of Kargil to “visit the spot immediately and mobilise relief and rescue operations”.
He added that all government agencies, including disaster relief forces and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), have been put on high alert and that he is personally monitoring the situation.
In a social media post after preliminary reports that seven people had died, Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh said, “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. All required assistance being provided to the injured.”
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the avalanche and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa offered his condolences. In a post on X, Hanifa said, “Heartbroken by the tragic avalanche at Zojila Pass that has claimed innocent lives. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families; no words can truly ease their pain. This is not just a tragedy, but a stark reminder of the harsh and dangerous realities our people are forced to endure while travelling on this critical route.”
Zojila is the lifeline of Ladakh, but repeated incidents like this expose serious gaps in safety preparedness, he said, urging authorities “to act with urgency” and that rescue and clearance operations must be carried out “on a war footing, and immediate relief and support must reach the affected families without any delay”. But he also called for preventive measures, saying: “At the same time, there is an urgent need to implement a fixed and scientifically planned traffic schedule, preferably during early morning hours when avalanche risks are significantly lower.”
He added: “Equally important, we must all act responsibly. Once safety timings are fixed, strict adherence by the public is essential no journey is worth risking a life. Human life must always come above everything else. The lives of our people cannot be left at the mercy of unpredictable conditions. We stand united in grief, and we will continue to raise our voice until safe, reliable, and all-weather connectivity for Ladakh becomes a reality.”
Those confirmed dead in the avalanche were identified as Mohd Ali (72), Mohd Yousef (38), Toiba Banoo (36), Shahar Banoo (32), and Assadullah (10 months).
