Seven people lost their lives, and several others were injured after an avalanche struck vehicles on Zojila Pass along the National Highway connecting the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The incident occurred when large volumes of snow came crashing down while vehicles were passing through the high-altitude stretch, engulfing several of them. A multi-agency rescue operation was immediately launched after the incident, and efforts were made to clear the snow.

In a social media post, Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed the death of seven people in the incident.  Extending condolences on the incident, Mr Singh said all required assistance is being provided to the injured. Ladakh Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, also expressed grief over the tragic incident