A massive avalanche struck the Srinagar-Leh highway at Zoji La in Ladakh on Friday afternoon, killing at least seven people and injuring five others, according to officials. The avalanche hit a stretch near Captain Turn at Zojila Pass in the Drass sector, burying multiple vehicles under heavy snow and forcing the closure of the strategic route.
As per a report by the Hindustan Times, officials said that around 12 to 15 vehicles were either partially or completely buried when the avalanche hit. Sub Divisional Magistrate Drass, Vishal Atri, confirmed that at least five people, including three men, a woman and a child, had died. However, Union Minister Jitendra Singh later stated that the death toll stood at seven, with five injured.
Authorities warned that the number of casualties could increase as several vehicles remain trapped under deep snow.
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Heard the unfortunate news of an avalanche at Zoji La. I have directed the DC & SSP of Kargil to visit the spot immediately and mobilise relief and rescue operations.
— LG Ladakh (@lg_ladakh) March 27, 2026
All government agencies including disaster relief forces and BRO have been put on high alert.
I am personallyā¦
Rescue operation underway on war footing
A large-scale rescue operation was launched soon after the incident, involving teams from the police, Army, Border Roads Organisation, State Disaster Response Force, and local administrations of Sonamarg and Drass.
Atri said rescue efforts were being carried out simultaneously from both sides of the highway. āA large stretch of the highway has been affected and when we reached the site we saw some 12-15 vehicles under the snow. We couldn't go to the back side of the avalanche,ā he said.
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āMore than 100 people will be involved in the rescue operation besides the snow clearance machines. There is police, SDRF, BRO, army ambulances and we have also taken help from personnel of Megha tunnel. The rescue operation from the Kashmir side was hindered owing to the traffic jam as there was an up-convoy from that sideā, he added.
The operation, which began around 1 pm, continued for over five hours and is expected to carry on into the night as teams work to locate any remaining survivors and clear the highway.
