Gangtok, April 4: Seven people were killed, leaving thirteen injured after being hit by an avalanche . The incident occurred this morning at 17th Mile, Gangtok- Nat hula road.
Those killed in a natural catastrophe are four males, one female, and a child.
According to eyewitnesses, tourists were taking photographs and playing with snow when the avalanche hit. Some were above the snow hill.
Sikkim Police Special DGP Akshay Sachdeva, who reached the spot along with other Gangtok district police officials, stated that the rescue operation was ongoing, with the priority being saving as many people as possible.
According to the press communiqué of the Army, thirteen people have been rescued and sent to the STNM Hospital in Gangtok.
Police official also shared that they do not have the accurate number of casualties, however the work of rescue is toll on progress.
Questions are arising on Check post division as why passes were issued despite the bad weather conditions.
However, the Sikkim Police official clarified that passes for the restricted area of Changu were only until the 15th Mile, and not up to Changu Lake.
The tragedy has shocked the tourism industry in Sikkim, as incidents as this have been rare in the region before.
The rescue operation has been ongoing for four hours, with the State Disaster Relief Force, Sikkim Armed Police, and forest officials joining the effort.
Many civil defense officials and drivers have also assisted in the rescue operation.
