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3 army men dead, 2 missing in avalanche in Ladakh

April 04, 2015 18:12 IST

Fresh snowfall has hit the Kashmir valley with roads being blocked. Authorities had also sounded an avalanche alert two days ago. Photograph: PTI

Three army troopers have died and one is wounded after an avalanche hit a convoy in the cold desert region of Ladakh.

A senior police officer said two troopers are still missing and a rescue operation is on in the area.

The official added that the avalanche hit three army vehicles near the Changla pass in Leh district of Ladakh late Friday evening.

The avalanche was triggered by days of snowfall in the area, according to the officials.

“A rescue operation was launched immediately. Three army troopers were killed and one was injured and evacuated to the hospital. A search operation for two missing soldiers is still on,” the officer said.

Two days ago, authorities had issued avalanche warnings in several districts in Kashmir valley and had asked people to take precautions. 

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar