Avalanche hits Ladakh's Khardung La, several trapped under snow, 5 bodies recovered; see visuals

Highlights

Ten people were trapped under snow after an avalanche hit Ladakh's Khardung La on Friday morning. Three bodies have been recovered so far

Ladakh: Ten people were trapped under snow after an avalanche hit Ladakh's Khardung La on Friday morning. Five bodies have been recovered so far.

The deceased were identified as:

1. Nurboo Tsering S/o Tsering Mutup R/o Toktha Zanskar.
2. Thinles Spalzang S/o Tsering Dorjey R/o Toktha Zanskar.
3. Tsewang Tashi L/o Lobzang Chombel R/o Sani, Padum Zanskar.
4. Tsewang Nurboo S/o Sonam Tashi R/o Abran Zanskar.
5. Lobzang Chombel S/o Nawang Tharchin R/o Bakartse Zanskar.

Two tippers and a Scorpio car, which were carrying a total of 12 people, left for Khardung La this morning to load snow which was to be brought to Leh.

A tipper had been loaded with snow while the other one was being filled with the same when the avalanche struck.

However, the rescue operation was put on halt in the evening and will resume again on Saturday morning.