5 killed, 5 missing as avalanche hits Ladakh's Khardung La

Five persons were killed and five others were missing after their truck came under an avalanche in the Khardung La area of the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, officials said.

The avalanche hit the truck carrying 10 persons at Khardungla pass in Ladakh region at 7.00 am on Friday, an official of the Border Roads Organisation said.

The BRO pressed into service its men and machinery to rescue the passengers of the truck believed to be trapped under debris. The police, Army and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel have reached the spot for rescue operations, the BRO official said.

"So far, the bodies of five persons have been recovered from the avalanche site, while a search is on for the other missing persons," he said

Meanwhile, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti and PC Chief Sajad Lone have expressed grief over the deaths occurred due to avalanche in Khardung La Pass.
 
Mehbooba Mufti and Sajad Lone expressing sorrow over the incident, prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.

Both the leaders also urged the administration to expedite the rescue operation and ensure all support to the families of the deceased.

(Updates to follow) 

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