A private passenger cab skidded off the road and fell into Suru river near Panikar on Kargil-Zanskar road yesterday, a police spokesman said.
He said the rescue parties, comprising locals and police, swung into action immediately and after hectic efforts managed to recover four bodies from the river so far.
Another body was sighted by the rescuers and efforts were on to retrieve it, the spokesman said, adding it was reported that seven persons were travelling in the vehicle.
In a condolence message to the bereaved families, the Chief Minister conveyed his sympathy and prayed for peace to the departed souls.