Srinagar: Two Skiers from Poland lost their lives while as 21 were rescued including 19 foreigners as the Avalanche hit Affarwat area of Gulmarg, Kashmir on Wednesday.
According to official Police statement 19 foreigners were rescued and two local guides in the incident.
“19 foreign nationals of Russia and Poland alongwith 02 local guides were rescued by J&K Police alongwith tourism department after they got trapped when a massive avalanche hits Hapatkhud Kongdori Gulmarg,” Police statement said.
“Today morning 03 teams of foreign skiers comprising of 21 Foreign Nationals and 2 local guides went to Affarwat Gulmarg for skiing. At about 1230hrs a massive avalanche hits Hapatkhud Kangdori where these skiing teams got trapped”.
“On receiving the information, Baramulla police mobilized joint rescue teams of JKP alongwith Army & tourism department who rushed on the spot & started the rescue operation using all available equipments. During the rescue operation, 19 foreign nationals and 2 local guides were safely rescued. They have been identified as Ekaterina, Maxim, Vladimir, Vasiliy, Engine, Leo, Nikita Mastryukov, Anna Chornyak, residents of Russia and Rafat Kaqmaren, Narcin Wieklux, Eukasz Potaczewck, Tukasz Pasek, Katarzyna Filip, Marcin Raczyk, Barteomie Szkop, Bartosz Domagata, Adrian Anirowsu, Macie Kowalczyk, residents of Poland, a foreign guide Bartos from Poland and 02 local guides namely Fayaz Ahmad Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmad Mir from Tangmarg,” statement said.
The statement said that two Skiers from Poland Krzysltof and Adam Grzech lost their lives in the incident.
“Unfortunately, 02 foreign nationals identified as Krzysltof age (43 years) and Adam Grzech age (45 years), both from Poland lost their lives in the avalanche. The dead bodies of both the foreign nationals have been recovered and shifted to hospital for medico legal formalities,” it said.
Meanwhile Gulmarg Avalanche center has also issued a statement.
“Gulmarg avalanche center (GAC) reporting backcountry avalanche today in Sheenmai bowl outside of gulmarg alpine ski area. Four involvements two victims confirmed deceased. Gulmarg ski patrol conducted the on site search and rescue with appreciated support of numerous local and international skiers and guides, snowmobile guides and Indian military branch of HAWS. GAC wishes condolences to friends and family of the victims,” statement said.