New Delhi: Two persons were killed after an avalanche hit Sonamarg in Central Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Thursday.
The avalanche occurred at the Sarbal area which is close to Nilgrath area, where Hyderabad-based company Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) is working on the Zojila Tunnel.
“Initially no report of loss of life or property was there. However, later on when the snow settled, Management of Megha Company (Tunnel Company) reported that two of their workers have reportedly gone missing and got buried under the snow,” a police spokesperson said.
Police, Army and SDRF teams started a rescue operation and found the two bodies.
The deceased have been identified as Sandeep Kumar and Bala Krishna from Kishtwar.
Additional District Development Commissioner Mushtaq Ahmad said that the residential camps of the labourers were located one kilometre from the accident site and the two labourers had ventured in the area without any information.
“The rescue and search operation have been stopped now as both the bodies have been recovered and also incessant snowfall is reported at Ranga Morh, Sarbal, making the area more vulnerable to snow slides,” the official said.
“The Hyderbad-based company management has been asked to shift the workers to safe location till the weather gets better,” he added.
He said a helpline by District Police Ganderbal has already been issued in view of the inclement weather.
“Till the weather improves, the general public has been advised not to venture out in vulnerable areas,” he said.
Meanwhile, lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha expressed ‘anguish’ over the demise.
“I am deeply anguished to learn of the unfortunate incident of snow avalanche at Sonamarg in which a precious life has been lost,” Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha said in a tweet. “Army, Police & SDRF teams are engaged in search & rescue operation. Directed district admin to provide all necessary assistance to the affected persons,” he wrote.