New Delhi: Seven tourists have died after an avalanche hit Sikkim Tuesday between capital Gangtok and Nathuram La Pass on the India-China border.
The deceased, among whom were a woman and a child, succumbed to their injuries at a nearby Army hospital.
The avalanche occurred around 12.20 pm at the 15th Mile checkpost on the Jawaharlal Nehru Road.
According to the police, 30 tourists were rescued from the icefall and admitted to the STNM Hospital and the Central Referral Hospital in Gangtok.
Inspector General (Checkpost) Sonam Singh Bhutia said passes were issued till the 13th Mile, but tourists went ahead till the 15th Mile “without permission”.
The Army, state police, disaster management officials and tourism officials, mounted a massive rescue for those still trapped under the snowslide. The Jawaharlal Nehru Road, however, was opened to traffic shortly after the accident.
#WATCH | Troops of Trishakti Corps, Indian Army undertake a rescue mission at Gangtok-Natu La road near Milestone 15 in Sikkim where an avalanche struck, claiming seven lives.
Seven others were administered first aid and returned to Gangtok. The road has been opened for traffic… pic.twitter.com/oCseR3HVKW
— ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2023
Offering his condolences on the death of seven people, Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted the government was closely monitoring the situation and that teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were en-route to the area.
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