Raja Syed Rather
Zoji La, Mar 28: The death toll in the tragic accident at Zoji La Pass mounted to seven on Saturday after rescuers recovered another body this morning, while one of the injured persons succumbed to his injuries, officials said.
According to the details available, multiple vehicles were buried under a snow avalanche on Friday leading to the death of five commuters on the spot and injuries to eight others. The injured were rushed to a hospital.
The operation, which entered its second day, has now been called off after all missing persons were accounted for.
Pertinently, soon after the accident, SSP Ganderbal Khalil Ahmed Poswal rushed to the spot and, along with his team and Kargil Police, launched a rescue operation. SDPO Kangan Rajeev Raina and SHO Sonamarg, besides teams from State Disaster Response Force and the Indian Army, actively participated in the rescue efforts.
As per official records from Sub-District Hospital Drass, the deceased have been identified as Mohammad Baaqir Balti (63) of Nilgarh Sonamarg, Asadullah (12 months) of Yuljuk, Mohammad Ali (72) of Sankoo Kargil, Toiba Banoo (36) of Sangra Kargil, Shahar Banoo (32) of Yuljuk Kargil, Mohammad Yousuf (38) of Tangole Panikhar, and Ali Akbar (44) of Pashkum Kargil.
Meanwhile, six persons who sustained minor injuries were treated and later discharged in stable condition. They were identified as Farida Banoo (59) and Adiba Banoo (29), both residents of Old Road Leh, Saida Banoo (32) of Skamboo Kargil, Danish Majeed (27) of Pattan Ganderbal, Hakima Khatoon (2) of Skamboo Kargil, and Kulsum Banoo (60) of Thronges Bhimbat.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena expressed grief over the incident, stating that he was deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the avalanche near Zojila. He announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and directed the administration to provide all necessary assistance to the affected families and injured.
Ladakh MP Mohmmad Haneefa Jan also expressed condolences, terming the incident a stark reminder of the dangers faced by commuters on the crucial highway. He urged authorities to improve safety preparedness, ensure timely rescue and relief measures, and implement a fixed, scientifically planned traffic schedule to minimize avalanche risks.
He stressed the need for strict adherence to safety timings by the public, stating that human life must remain the top priority, while reiterating the demand for safe and all-weather connectivity to Ladakh.
