*220 Passengers Rescued After Vehicles Trapped at Sinthan Top Due to Heavy Snowfall*
Srinagar, Mar 16 : A total of 31 vehicles carrying around 220 passengers were stranded near Sinthan Top on Saturday after heavy snowfall led to snow accumulation and slippery conditions along National Highway 244, officials said.
An official told news agency JKNS, following an SOS call, a joint rescue operation was launched by teams of NHIDCL, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army early in the day. The operation continued for several hours and successfully concluded at around 11:30 pm.
“All the stranded passengers along with their vehicles were safely rescued and escorted to Kokernag,” officials told news agency
Meanwhile, authorities said that due to heavy snow accumulation near Sinthan Pass and prevailing adverse weather conditions, the Daksum–Sinthan Pass stretch of NH-244 remains closed for vehicular movement.
Travellers have been advised to check weather advisories and strictly follow official instructions before planning their journey on the route, officials added.
