Russian dead, another missing after avalanche strikes Jammu and Kashmir's Gulmarg

One foreigner died, while another is reportedly missing after an avalanche hit Jammu and Kashmir's Gulmarg region on February 22. The deceased was later identified as Hanten from Moscow in Russia. A plice officer told PTI news agency that his body has been taken to the Tangmarg sub-district hospital for post-mortem.

The avalanche struck the Kongdoori slopes, trapping several skiers. Officials told PTI news agency that the foreigners had gone to the ski slopes without local residents, they said.

According to police, the group of seven Russians and a local guide ventured into a non-ski zone in the Army Ridge area, which is avalanche prone.

"There was an avalanche warning but they still ventured into that zone and unfortunately one skier died," Gulmarg police station SHO Haroon Kar said.

Besides the Army and police, choppers also have been roped in for the rescue operation.

The rescued persons were treated at a local hospital and one foreigner was being shifted to Srinagar for special treatment.

A government spokesperson said the ongoing 4th Khelo India Winter Games remain unaffected by the incident.

Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council secretary Nuzhat Gull said all athletes participating in the ongoing 4th Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg were safe.

"All Khelo India athletes are safe after the avalanche hit Khilanmarg area of Gulmarg... All the fixtures are being run as per schedule," Gull posted on X.

The Winter Games began on Wednesday and will conclude on Sunday.

A spokesman of the Sports Council said all precautionary measures were in place to ensure safety of the players.

(With inputs from PTI)

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