India, March 29 -- A deadly avalanche struck near Dayal Pass along the Zojila Pass axis in Ladakh's Kargil sub-division on Friday, leaving seven people dead and four others injured, officials confirmed after the conclusion of rescue efforts.

The avalanche swept across a stretch of the strategic Srinagar-Leh National Highway, engulfing multiple civilian vehicles and burying them under heavy snow and debris. The incident led to a temporary closure of the vital route, which serves as a key lifeline between Kashmir and Ladakh.

Officials said three to four passenger vehicles were caught in the sudden avalanche, with a total of 11 persons affected. All victims were later retrieved after an extensive operation carried out under challenging wea...