At least one foreign skier died on Thursday after a massive snow avalanche hit Khilan Marg on Afarwat Peak Gulmarg. According to reports, a total of seven were trapped in the avalanche. While one skier died, 6 others were rescued alive. The rescue operation has been called off.
“Soon after, a massive rescue operation was launched at the site, which has so far resulted in killing of a skier and rescue of three others," the official said adding “operation is underway to look for at least one skier believed to be trapped under the snow.”
The foreigners had gone to the ski slopes without local residents, they said. Personnel of the Army and a patrolling team of the Jammu and Kashmir administration are carrying out rescue-cum-search operations.
A collaborative effort between the Gulmarg Ski Patrol of Tourism Department, J&K and J&K Police resulted in the successful rescue of a group comprising six Russian skiers and one local guide following an avalanche at the higher reaches of Gulmarg, known as Army Ridge, official said.
