At least six people lost their lives and five others sustained injuries after a series of avalanches swept across the Srinagar-Leh National Highway on Friday, burying nearly a dozen vehicles under heavy snow.

The snow slides struck the vulnerable stretch between Zero Point and Minimarg during the afternoon hours, trapping motorists and halting traffic movement in the region. Rescue teams were rushed to the site as emergency operations began amid challenging weather conditions.

Reacting to the incident, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena said he was closely overseeing the response. In a message posted on X, he stated that the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police of Kargil had been directed to reach the location immediately and coordinate relief efforts. Disaster response teams and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) have been placed on high alert.

Authorities continue search and rescue operations as concerns remain over the stability of snow-covered slopes in the high-altitude corridor.