A JCB operator was killed after a snow avalanche hit a snow dozer which was being operated for snow clearance in Sinthan pass in Kokernag area of Anantnag district, officials said.

An official said, as per reports from NHIDCL, an operator lost his life during snow clearance in Sinthan pass after an avalanche hit the area.

He has been identified as Javid Ahmad Zagoo son of Abdul Aziz Zagoo a resident of Dessu Khandipora of Tehsil Larnoo, an official said.

“A joint operation was immediately launched by revenue, police and NHIDCL to retrieve the him,” he said, adding that the operator was rushed to hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.