Three people, including an army officer, were martyred after a massive avalanche struck during a road-clearing operation near Burzil Top on the Gilgit–Astore Road, officials said on Saturday.
According to authorities, the incident occurred in the early hours of the morning at around 3:00 a.m., when personnel were engaged in clearing snow to restore traffic on the strategic mountain route. During the operation, a sudden and heavy avalanche descended on the area, resulting in fatalities.
Those martyred were identified as Captain Asmad Gulfam of the Pakistan Army, Soldier Muhammad Rizwan, and Issa Khan, a civilian snow-cutter operator serving with the Communication and Works (C&W/B&R) Department.
Officials said the operation was part of routine efforts to reopen the road following heavy snowfall in the region. Rescue and safety measures were initiated immediately after the incident, while further assessments of the area were carried out due to the risk of additional avalanches.
The Gilgit–Astore Road, particularly near Burzil Top, is prone to avalanches during winter months, and road clearance operations often involve significant risks for both military personnel and civilian workers.
