MIRPUR: At least 23 people including four women were killed and five others were injured when a passenger wagon skidded off the road and plunged into Neelum River.

The accident took place at Nausehri, some 45km north of Muzaffarabad, when the minibus driver lost control.

According to police officials, the bus was on its way from Neelum valley to Muzaffarabad with 25 passengers on board, when suddenly the driver lost his control and wagon fell into Neelum River.

The vehicle veered off the road, falling 100 metres into the gushing river, government and rescue officials said.

“At least 23 people were killed and three others injured in the accident,” said local government official Ashfaq Gilani.

“We have only found three bodies and three wounded people. More than 20 other passengers and the wreckage of the bus have been swept away by the river,” he said.

“We have presumed them dead as there is no chance of their survival,” Mr Gilani said.

The injured were shifted to Combine Military Hospital Muzaffarabad.

Rescue teams, engaged in efforts for the recovery of the remaining the bodies, said the terrain was difficult and they would resume the search for the remainder of the passengers tomorrow.