A massive landslide on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway claimed at least one life on. The landlside occurred near Seri village close to Ramban town, resulting in the suspension of two-way traffic on the strategic highway. Two vehicles were damaged in the landslide, which completely blocked the road, officials said. Senior police and civil officers have rushed to the spot, and a rescue operation is currently underway. According to the officials, some casualties are feared, but exact details are awaited.
The landslide caused injuries to seven people, one of whom, Surjeet Singh of Sumber, later died. The other injured, including Mohammad Taj, Hamid, Rubeena Begum, Sakeena Begum, Salma Bani, and Amir, have been hospitalized, said Senior Superintendent of Police (Ramban) Mohita Sharma. The rescue operation is still ongoing, and further details are awaited.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is a vital link that connects the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country. The highway is prone to landslides, particularly in the monsoon season, and disruptions on this highway can lead to a shortage of essential goods in the region. The officials have not yet announced when the highway will be reopened to traffic.
SSP Mohita Sharma shared a video of the landslide on Twitter.
According to news publisher Greater Kashmir, "a car got buried under the debris of the landslide while another rolled down a gorge". An excavator of a construction firm was also trapped under the debris. A rescue operation is now in progress.
The landslide comes just two weeks after a similar event stranded hundreds on the same highway for nearly 30 hours. Two ambulances with bodies were also stuck due to the landslide. These are among a series of landslides that have hit the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway over the past few weeks, causing severe inconvenience to commuters.
(With inputs from PTI.)