Avalanche near Sikkim's Nathu La pass, at least 6 killed, over 80 trapped

At least six people have been killed and over 80 others are feared trapped after Sikkim’s Nathu La pass has been hit by an avalanche. Several people have been buried in snow after an avalanche struck 15th Mile on Jawaharlal Nehru road.

The incident is said to be happened at around 12:20 pm on Tuesday on a road connecting Gangtok with Nathu La pass. The road is shrouded in a thick layer of snow.

According to the reports, six people, including four men, one woman and one child, lost their lives in the mishap. They succumbed to injuries during the treatment in the nearby Army Hospital.

Sikkim Police along with tourism department officials, the Travel Agents Association of Sikkim, and vehicle drivers, is currently carrying out the rescue operation. So far, around 40 tourists who were buried under the snow have reportedly been rescued and are stated to have suffered grievous injuries.

Those rescued have been taken to the STNM Hospital and Central Referral Hospital in Gangtok.

Talking about the incident, Inspector General for Checkpost Sonam Tenzing Bhutia said Passes are issued for only the 13th Mile, but tourists are forcefully going to the 15th Mile. The incident happened in the 15th mile, he added.

Further details are awaited.