Drass avalanche disrupts Sonamarg–Kargil route; drivers injured, shifted to hospital

Drass, April 25, KNT: A massive avalanche struck Shaitani Nallah in the Drass area of Kargil on Saturday, trapping multiple vehicles along the strategic Sonamarg–Kargil route, officials said.

The avalanche hit the area around 4 pm, catching at least seven goods vehicles, including two tankers, that were moving towards Kargil from Sonamarg. The incident disrupted movement along the route, which remains prone to snow-related hazards during this period.

A coordinated rescue operation was launched soon after the incident, with civil administration and police teams rushing to the site in Drass. Authorities said efforts were initiated immediately to assess the situation and assist those affected.

Officials confirmed that no fatalities were reported in the incident. However, some drivers sustained minor injuries and were shifted to Sub-District Hospital Drass for treatment.

The extent of damage to the vehicles and road connectivity was being assessed at the time of filing this report. Officials said more details would be shared as the situation becomes clearer.

The incident comes weeks after a fatal avalanche near Kani Pathri in the Zojila axis on March 27, where several passenger vehicles were buried, leaving seven people, including a child, dead. The recurrence of such incidents has raised fresh concerns over safety and monitoring mechanisms along the high-altitude corridor.  [KNT]