At least 15 Indian soldiers were killed and several trapped after an avalanche hit a military training camp on Monday.

The avalanche hit the Indian army's High Altitude Warfare School in northwest Kashmir, near a military line that divides the Himalayan region between India and Pakistan.

According to officials around 300 trainees were on a training exercise when the avalanche hit them.

Majority of trainees were rescued but heavy snowfall was hampering rescue operation.

[Abdul Qayoom Manhas, Deputy Inspector General]:
“The heavy snowfall is hampering the rescue operation, you know… everybody is safe except 15 persons who have been declared dead, 17 are under treatment and two are missing.”

The area is close to Gulmarg, a ski resort in Indian Kashmir visited by hundreds of people, including foreigners.

Officials said there was little chance of any tourist being trapped as the avalanche was triggered at an altitude higher than the popular skiing slopes.

Avalanches occur frequently in Kashmir.

Heavy snow blocked Kashmir's main highway, the only road link to the rest of the country, for the third day Monday.