Srinagar: A trailer truck plunged nearly 400 feet into a deep gorge near the Zojila Pass on the Srinagar–Leh National Highway on Friday, but the driver and helper aboard escaped with minor injuries in what officials described as a miraculous survival.
The accident took place near Pani Matha in the Zojila sector when the 14-wheeler trailer, travelling from Sonamarg towards Kargil, reportedly went out of control on a steep stretch of road, skidded off the carriageway, and fell into the gorge below.
Officials identified the vehicle as bearing registration number JK01BC/2359.
Despite the extreme height and the complete destruction of the vehicle, both occupants survived the fall. Local residents and authorities at the site described the outcome as nothing short of extraordinary, given the harsh terrain and impact conditions typical of the high-altitude route.
The truck was reduced to wreckage at the bottom of the gorge. The driver and helper were later shifted to the Primary Health Centre in Sonamarg for medical evaluation. Their condition was not reported to be life-threatening.
Police and local administration teams reached the accident site soon after being alerted and began an assessment of the incident, including possible causes such as road conditions, mechanical failure, or loss of control on the steep Himalayan highway.
The Srinagar–Leh National Highway, particularly the Zojila axis, is known for its challenging driving conditions, including sharp bends, narrow stretches, sudden weather changes, and steep gradients. The route remains operational only during limited months each year due to heavy snowfall in winter.
Transport operators and commuters have long flagged safety concerns along the stretch, where even minor errors can lead to severe consequences.
Strategic tunnel project underway
The accident has once again drawn attention to the ongoing infrastructure push aimed at improving year-round connectivity to Ladakh.
Work is underway on the Zojila Tunnel, a 14.2-km-long, horseshoe-shaped road tunnel designed to provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh along the Srinagar–Leh corridor. The tunnel is expected to significantly reduce travel risk by bypassing the hazardous Zojila Pass entirely.
Once completed, it will complement the nearby Z-Morh Tunnel, together enabling more reliable access to Ladakh and improving connectivity for both civilian transport and strategic military logistics.
Officials say the project is part of a larger network of road tunnels being developed across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to reduce dependence on seasonal mountain passes and improve safety in high-altitude regions.
Safety concerns persist
Despite ongoing infrastructure upgrades, incidents like Friday’s accident highlight the continued risks faced by drivers on the Srinagar–Leh highway, where terrain and weather remain major challenges.
Authorities have urged cautious driving, especially for heavy vehicles navigating steep gradients and narrow mountain sections, as investigations into the latest accident continue.
