Global General
17 soldiers dead, 53 rescued in Kashmir avalanche
(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-02-08 23:08
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SRINAGAR, India: A massive avalanche plowed into an Indian army training center at a ski resort town in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Monday, killing 17 soldiers and critically injuring 17 others.
The avalanche slammed into the army's High Altitude Warfare School at about 11 a.m. and swept away the soldiers during a training session, said army spokesman Col. Vineet Sood. It was the worst avalanche in the area in many years, he said.
Manhas said of those rescued, 17 needed emergency medical care.
About 70 troops were taking a skiing test when the avalanche came crashing down, he said.
Rescue efforts involving army, police and civilian officials were "very timely, swift and coordinated," Manhas said.
About 400 people, including 30 civilian workers, were at the training center, but the avalanche hit only one portion of the facility.
Incessant snow and rain complicated rescue operations.
G.M. Dar, a tourist official in the area, said about 400 tourists skiing in Gulmarg were safe.
Frequent rain and heavy snowfall often trigger avalanches and landslides in Kashmir, blocking roads and cutting off tourist resorts like Gulmarg.
