SRINAGAR: A devastating avalanche struck Zojila Pass on Friday, killing seven people and injuring five others after a passenger vehicle was hit by a sudden mass of snow and debris.
According to a senior official, the vehicle was caught in a powerful avalanche, leading to multiple deaths on the spot while several passengers sustained injuries. The injured were swiftly evacuated and transferred to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
SSP Ganderbal Khalil Poswal, speaking to Kashmir Life, confirmed the casualties and said that rescue teams had been dispatched to the site along with local authorities and emergency responders to recover victims and clear the affected stretch.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh expressed grief over the incident in a post on X, stating that he was “saddened to learn about the tragic death of 7 persons and injuries to 5 after avalanche hit the vehicle at Zojila Pass,” and assured that all necessary assistance was being provided to the injured.
Saddened to learn about the tragic death of 7 persons and injuries to 5 after avalanche hit the vehicle at Zojila pass.
My sincere condolences to the bereaved families. All required assistance being provided to the injured.
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) March 27, 2026
Zojila pass is a high-altitude mountain pass that connects the Kashmir Valley with the Drass and Suru Valleys, and the Indus Region. It is the second-highest pass on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, and one of the most difficult and dangerous roads in the world.
