Srinagar, March 28 -- Seven people were killed and many were injured after a massive avalanche hit Srinagar-Leh highway at Zojila in Ladakh, on Friday, burying a number of vehicles and blocking the strategic highway, officials said.

Confirming the deaths, Union minister Jitendra Singh wrote on X: "Saddened to learn about the tragic death of seven persons and injuries to five after avalanche hit the vehicle at Zojila pass. My sincere condolences to the bereaved families. All required assistance being provided to the injured."

Earlier, Drass sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Vishal Atri had confirmed five deaths. "So far we have confirmation of five deaths and seven injured. The dead include three men, one woman and a child of 2-3 years," D...