Seven Killed in Avalanche at Kashmir’s Zojila Pass, Five Injured
Passenger vehicle struck by massive snow slide on Srinagar-Leh highway; rescue operations by BRO, Army and disaster response forces continue
SRINAGAR — March 27, 2026 — At least seven people were killed and five others injured when a massive avalanche struck a passenger vehicle at Zojila Pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway on Friday, March 27, officials said, marking one of the deadliest snow slide incidents in the region in recent years .
The avalanche hit the stretch between Zero Point and Minimarg in the afternoon, trapping several vehicles under heavy snow and debris, officials confirmed . According to official sources, a passenger vehicle was hit by a massive snow slide, resulting in the on-the-spot deaths of seven occupants, while five others sustained injuries .
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Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue teams, including personnel from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, and local police, rushed to the site soon after the avalanche and launched a large-scale operation to evacuate the injured and retrieve bodies from the debris . Officials said the rescue operation was challenging due to the difficult terrain and weather conditions at the high-altitude pass, where temperatures can drop well below freezing even in late March .
According to officials, at least 15 vehicles were partially or fully buried under snow, prompting a swift response from multiple agencies . Sub Divisional Magistrate of Drass, Vishal Atri, stated that over 100 personnel, including police, SDRF, BRO, army ambulances, and workers from the Megha tunnel project, were involved in the rescue operation .
The injured were shifted to nearby medical facilities for treatment, with officials noting that the condition of some was stated to be serious . Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise as search operations continue and some vehicles remain buried under the snow .
Government Response
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena expressed grief over the incident on social media platform X, stating that he had directed the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police of Kargil to visit the spot immediately and mobilise relief and rescue operations .
“All government agencies including disaster relief forces and BRO have been put on high alert. I am personally monitoring the situation,” Saxena said .
Union Minister Jitendra Singh also confirmed the deaths on X, expressing condolences to the bereaved families. “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 is being provided to the injured,” he wrote .
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the loss of lives in the avalanche, stating that emergency protocols had been activated and relief operations were underway .
Zojila Pass: A Treacherous Lifeline
The Srinagar-Leh highway (NH-1, formerly NH-1D) is a critical 434-kilometer-long two-lane road connecting Srinagar to Leh, passing through the 11,575-foot-high Zojila Pass . The pass, located in Ganderbal district on the Ladakh side, is known for its challenging weather conditions and remains vulnerable to avalanches during winter months .
Zojila Pass serves as the primary land link between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, a strategically important region bordering China and Pakistan . The highway is often closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall, with authorities typically reopening it in April or May depending on weather conditions . Friday’s avalanche occurred as the region was experiencing the tail end of winter, with temperatures remaining below freezing and snow still covering much of the high-altitude terrain .
Zojila Tunnel Project
A tunnel is currently under construction across the Zojila Pass. Once operational, it will provide all-weather, safe connectivity between Ladakh and the rest of the country, bypassing the avalanche-prone stretches of the highway . The under-construction tunnel is a horseshoe-shaped, single-tube, two-lane road tunnel measuring 14.2 kilometers in length, making it the longest tunnel in Asia upon completion .
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The tunnel project, which has faced multiple delays due to geological challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, is expected to significantly reduce travel time and eliminate the risk of avalanches and road closures that have historically plagued the route . Work on the tunnel has been ongoing, with workers from the Megha tunnel project actively participating in Friday’s rescue operations .
Earlier Reports and Conflicting Casualty Figures
Earlier reports from some news agencies indicated six fatalities, with officials initially stating no loss of life before rescue teams discovered vehicles fully buried under debris . The confusion arose because the avalanche hit a stretch of the highway where multiple vehicles were traversing, and it took time for rescue teams to reach and assess the full extent of the damage .
Officials said the highway has been blocked following the incident, and clearance operations were underway to remove the debris and restore traffic movement . The Srinagar-Leh highway remains a vital lifeline for the region, serving both civilian and military traffic, and any prolonged closure can disrupt supplies to Ladakh .
Avalanche Risk in the Himalayas
The Himalayan region is highly susceptible to avalanches, particularly during the winter and early spring months when heavy snowfall combines with fluctuating temperatures to create unstable snowpack conditions . The Jammu and Kashmir administration has in recent years implemented an avalanche forecasting system, issuing warnings to residents and travelers in high-risk areas .
Friday’s incident occurred despite warnings of inclement weather in the region. Local authorities had advised against unnecessary travel on the Srinagar-Leh highway, though the passenger vehicle that was hit was reportedly carrying travelers returning from the valley .
Condolences and Assistance
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while expressing grief over the incident, directed officials to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical care. The district administration has been instructed to provide financial assistance to the families of the deceased as per government norms .
Local residents and officials noted that while avalanches are common in the Zojila Pass area, the loss of life in Friday’s incident was unusually high. “We have seen avalanches here before, but rarely with such tragic consequences,” a local official told Kashmir News Service .
As of Friday evening, rescue operations continued at the site, with authorities working to clear the highway and ensure that no other vehicles remained trapped under the snow . The Border Roads Organisation, which maintains the highway, has deployed additional machinery to speed up the clearance process .
The injured are being treated at hospitals in Sonamarg and Drass, with some requiring specialized care. Authorities have arranged for air evacuation if necessary, given the challenging road conditions .
SOURCES / INPUTS
Zee News via Magzter: Zojila Pass avalanche tragedy: 6 killed, 5 injured
lokmattimes.com/IANS: Six killed, 5 injured in Zojila Pass avalanche tragedy
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