Seven persons were killed and five others critically injured when the pick-up in which they were travelling plunged into Chenab river on Doda-Kishtwar highway near the Dharabshalah area of Kishtwar district, 200 km from Chamba late last night.
The deceased have been identified as Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Solan in HP, Pyar Din of Kuthal village (Chamba), the driver, Prithvi Raj of Tatri (Chamba), Om Prakash, a resident of Pangai, and Shalu Devi of Pangai.
Two bodies were yet to be identified.
The injured, identified as Suman, Santosh Kumar and Tara Chand from Chamba district and Ram Singh and Sher Singh from Kangra in Himachal, have been admitted in two hospitals in Doda, police said.
Reports said the vehicle, which was on its way to Kishtwar, rolled into the Chenab after being hit by a boulder.
Locals rushed to the spot and started rescue operation and fished out the bodies from the river in spite of heavy rains. Police and medical teams also rushed to spot and moved the injured passengers to a local hospital at Thathri.
Later, the injured were shifted to District Hospital, Doda and then referred to Government Medical College and Hospital in Jammu.
Himachal Pradesh Governor Urmila Singh and Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh mourned the death of the seven persons.
Forest Minister Thakur Singh Bharmouri also expressed condolences and directed the administration of Chamba to provide medical treatment to the injured besides ensuring all possible assistance.
