In a major avalanche in Sikkim’s Nathula area on Tuesday six tourists were killed and 11 others injured, police officials said here. The injured are being brought to the state capital Gangtok’s hospital. According to officials, the avalanche hit the 17th mile near Changu this afternoon, trapping more than 150 people at the tourist attraction.
“Rescue and clearance operations are still on,” a senior police official said. Nathula Pass is situated on the border with China and is a major tourist destination because of its scenic beauty.
“Swift rescue operations were launched by Border Roads Organisation and 22 people were rescued till now including 6 from a deep valley,” they said. Some 350 people and 80 vehicles, which were stranded on the road because of the snow blocking the road from Nathu La, was also brought back, officials said.
Inspector General for Checkpost, Sonam Tenzing Bhutia said that “Passes are issued for only the 13th mile, but tourists are going to the 15th Mile without permission. The incident took place in the 15th mile.”
According to Local reports, the incident took place around 12:20 PM. Tourists were on their way to the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg when the incident triggered.
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