Snowstorm blocks Salang Pass

PUL-I-KHUMRI (PAN, officials said on Thursday.

A large number of cars, trucks and buses have been stranded on both sides of the 2,676-metre long tunnel since last night, the tunnel’s maintenance officer, Gen. Rajab, told Pajhwok Afghan News. Some avalanches had also taken place, he said.

“Snow was measured 70 centimetres on the southern part of the tunnel and 50 centimetres on the north,” he said.

He said vehicles were stopped in Khanjan district, north, and in Jabal Saraj district south of the pass to prevent any possible casualties, the official said, adding snow removing work was underway to reopen the tunnel for traffic.

As many as 100 cars, buses and trucks were seen stranded on both sides of the Salang Pass, Baghlan traffic department head, Syed Mahboobullah Saadat, said.

On Feb. 8, 2010, 170 people were killed and 125 others injured due to heavy snowstormwww.pajhwok.com.pajhwok.com>

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