India, March 27 -- At least seven people were killed and five others injured on Friday after a massive avalanche struck the Zojila Pass, trapping multiple vehicles under heavy snow debris, the government confirmed.

The avalanche hit the Ladakh side of the pass, leading to the complete blockage of the Srinagar-Leh Highway-a critical route connecting Srinagar and Leh.

Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the Border Roads Organisation and local police working to clear debris and search for any survivors still trapped.

All government agencies, including disaster response forces, have been placed on high alert.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed the casualties in a post on X, expressing condolences to the victims' families ...