Two more bodies were today found from the Khardung La pass in Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh where 10 people were buried in an avalanche on Friday. The number of dead in the avalanche has now risen to seven; five bodies were pulled out yesterday. Rescue operation are on for three people buried under the avalanche.
Auhtorities have ordered a probe into the deaths.
The avalanche had reportedly hit a truck carrying 10 labourers at Khardung La pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world at 17,500 feet. The truck was buried 20 feet deep snow and mud, nearly 800 metres from the pass.
The Army said their teams deployed near the incident site acted quickly and began the search and rescue operations. Troops posted near South Pullu, an army check post were also moved to the avalanche site. Simultaneously, the Army Aviation helicopters were brought in to move rescue teams called "Avalanche Panthers Teams" from Siachen Base Camp.
Rescue teams have been battling harsh weather conditions. The army is using deep search radars and dogs for the operation.
Khardung La, a mountain pass in Ladakh, is a gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys.
Last January, a Swedish skier was killed in an avalanche while his companion was rescued in Jammu and Kashmir. The police said that two Swedish skiers were trapped under an avalanche in Affarwat peaks in Gulmarg.
(With inputs from PTI)
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