Waris Fayaz
Gulmarg, Feb 22: A foreign skier was killed while seven other including a local were rescued after an avalanche hit Kongdori area of Gulmarg on Thursday where the much-awaited fourth edition of Khelo India Winter Games is going on, however, the sporting games remained unaffected as all the participants are safe.
Official sources said that a strong avalanche hit the Kangdori, Gulmarg. “Seven foreign tourists and a local were trapped in the avalanche. A massive rescue operation was immediately launched during which one of the foreign skiers was found dead while others were rescued safely,” they said.
They said that phase-2 Gulmarg Gandola was temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure.
Officials said that at around 02:00 PM in the afternoon, an avalanche was reported in Gulmarg, trapping some foreigners, who were rescued safely while one among them died in the incident.
However, the ongoing sporting event that commenced yesterday remained unaffected.
“A collaborative effort between the Gulmarg Ski Patrol of Tourism Department, J&K and J&K Police resulted in the successful rescue of a group comprising six Russian skiers and one local guide following an avalanche at the higher reaches of Gulmarg, known as Army Ridge,” officials said.
“Despite the valiant efforts of the rescue team, one Russian skier tragically lost his life due to the avalanche. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time,” they said.
“It is important to note that the avalanche site is located far from the Kongdoori area, where the 4th Khelo India Winter Games are currently underway. The ongoing sporting events remain unaffected by the incident,” the officials said.
The rescued individuals are currently under the care of the district administration, receiving basic medical treatment. One skier sustained minor injuries but is in stable condition and is receiving treatment at a local hospital. The response and coordinated efforts of the rescue team, ski patrol, and police played a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected by this unfortunate incident, they added.
Secretary Sports Council, Nuzhal Gull in a post on X, said that all Khelo India athletes are safe. “All Khelo India athletes are safe after the avalanche hits Khilanmarg area of Gulmarg J&K. All fixtures are being run as per schedule,” Gull wrote.
The sports council in a post also said that all necessary measures have been taken for safety. “The avalanche that hit the Khilanmarg area of Gulmarg earlier this afternoon has not impacted athletes taking part in ski and snowboard events of Khelo India Winter Games 2024 at Kangdoori Phase 1. All necessary precautions have been taken for safety,” J&K Sports Council wrote.
